SPROUSE, James Herman

James Herman Sprouse was born September 18, 1933 to James F. and Lena (Mekelburg) Sprouse in Yuma, Colorado. He was baptized October 15, 1933 at St. John;s Lutheran Church by Rev. Hoyer. He died Sunday, May 2, 1993 after a long illness. James attended St. John's Lutheran Parochial School through the elementary years, then transferred to Yuma Union High School and graduated from there in 1951. He was confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church April 20, 1947 by Rev. Schulz. After school he enlisted in the U. S. Navy where he spent 3 years and 4 months during the Korean Conflict with over tow years in overseas duty. Upon being discharged in 1954, James returned to Yuma where he met Elzene Higgins and they were wed zjune 12, 1955. This home was blessed with two sons, Tim and Dan. Jim was employed many years with Stickney's, Inc. with various duties, beginning as parts man, serving as manager of the Yuma store and ending as purchasing agent for the chain of Stickney stores in Northeast Colorado. He loved working with boys and therefore he spent 17 years in Scouting, serving as Cub Master on up to District Commissioner, ultimately receiving one of Boy Scouts' highest honors, the Silver Beaver Award. He spent several summers as Pee-Wee ball coach also. Jim also was a building contractor for the Sprouse-Brower Addition to the City of Yuma, building many of the houses in that area. Jim was an excellent gardner and the many people who flocked to the Farmer's Market every summer for his top qulaity products will attest to that fact. He is preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth and his grandparents. He is survived by his mother, Lena Sprouse; his wife, Elzene; two sons, Tim and wife Shirley, and Dan; his mother-in-law, Roena Higgins; his grandchildren, Holly, Kyle, Jordan, Christopher, Jeannie and Cyndi; a sister-in-law, Jeraldine Sprouse; an uncle, Clarence Mekelburg and wife Ruth; 3 nieces, 6 nephews and many friedns who will miss him. James is buried at Yuma Cemetery.