Big Rapids""James "Sparky" L. Walsh Jr., 53, a lifelong resident of Big Rapids, went Home to be with his Lord on Monday, November 13, 2006. He was born in Big Rapids on March 25, 1953 to James and Yvonne (Schebella) Walsh. He was a graduate of Big Rapids High School in 1971, and then began his career with the Hydaker-Wheatlake Company as a journeyman-lineman. In 1983 he joined Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative and was currently a Transmission Services Supervisor at Hersey. Jim served on the Mecosta Township Zoning Board and was a member of the Third Avenue United Methodist Church where he served on many committees. He was an avid hunter and loved being outdoors, enjoying God's creation. He had a "gift of writing" in his journal, and also writing letters of encouragement to family and friends just when they needed it. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He wrote that one of his goals in life was "to make people laugh out loud" . He certainly achieved his goal. He is survived by the love of his life, Joyce Bechaz Walsh whom he married on March 25, 1972. He is also survived by his children; Christina (William) Dever, Becky (John Jr.) Zimmerman, Nicklus (Jessica) Walsh; and his grandchildren, Bailey Rose, Hunter James, Grace Erie, and Aiden James, all residents of Big Rapids. He is also survived by his mother, Yvonne (James) Walsh of Big Rapids; his grandfather Benjamin J. Schebella of Onaway; and brothers and sisters, Debra (Paul) Oppenneer of Grand Rapids, Earl and Liane Walsh of Big Rapids, Allan and Mary Ann Walsh of Rodney, Charmaine (Bill) Beck of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada, Pattie (Paul) Morse of Big Rapids, Bessie (Bill) Haskill of Morley, and Meredith (Luis) Beteta of Grand Rapids. Mother-in-law; Erma (George) Bechaz of Big Rapids; and brothers-and sisters-in-law; Nancy (Thomas) Sage of Big Rapids, Linda (Tim) Bechaz of Stanwood, Jan (Russ) Eckert of Morley, Donna (Steve) Westberg of Marshall, North Carolina, Bill Bechaz of Big Rapids, and Beth (Steve) Dillsworth of Lansing. Many uncles and aunts, nephews and nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, James L. Walsh Sr., his father-in-law, George Bechaz, and his brother-in-law, Timothy Bechaz. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, and his "Special Pard" , Chris (Bev) Stier of Indiana. To quote from Jim's Journal, "A man truly knows when he is blessed by God, when he sees the love of his life smiling at him, the laughter and joy of grandkids riding in a trailer, the sun shining brightly, a good chew of Beechnut in his mouth, his pistol by his side, Carharts, and his Stihl hat on, 40 acres to drive on and the sound of old number "7" as she put-puts up the hill. God Is Good All The Time!" Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 16th at the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids with Reverend Michael Riegler officiating. Burial will be at Ladner Cemetery in Roger Heights. The family will greet friends at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids this evening (Tuesday) from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.