Jimmie L. Sparrow age 76 of Rockford, IL and formerly of Baraboo, WI and Wisconsin Dells, WI peacefully passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, September 1, 2023 following an extended illness. He was born on December 3, 1946 in Little Rock, Arkansas the son of Rubin and Lelia (Duncan) Sparrow.
Jimmie graduated from Central High Little Rock in 1964. He enlisted in the United States Army and became a dog handler during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1974 with a National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal and Expert M16 Medal after he was injured during a helicopter accident.
He later traveled the states ending up in Bethel, Alaska during the early 1990’s where he met his love, June (Chief) Wunnicke while working at Swanson’s Grocery Store. Jimmie was well known as the best produce man in Alaska. Jimmie and June were married on November 3, 1995 and he became a wonderful stepfather and step grandfather or as we say in Yup’ik, Uppa. Jimmie and June loved to travel moving around after retirement enjoying time in Wisconsin, Hawaii, Florida, South Carolina and Mexico.
In addition to his wife, June; step children, Jessica Wunnicke (Jeremiah Ringelstetter), JoEllen (Daniel) Neefe, John Robert Wunnicke (Jessica Nachreiner); and twelve grandchildren; he is survived by his brother, Richard (Joy) Sparrow of Little Rock, AR; sister, Bertha (Leon) Evans of St. Louis, IL, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rubin and Lelia Sparrow; a stepson, Jason Wunnicke, and a son-in-law, Gary Vanasse.
A celebration of life gathering was held on Monday, September 11, 2023 at the Stafford Funeral Home in Richland Center from 12:00 noon- 2:00 P.M. where military rites will be conducted by Local Veterans Military Memorial Honors Unit.
Online condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com. The Stafford Funeral Home in Richland Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
