James Edward Thoroughgood, lifelong carpenter
James Edward Thoroughgood, "Sparky," 92, of Lewes, passed away Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at his home. He was born Feb. 7, 1930, in Georgetown, son of the late George and Pearl Thoroughgood.
Sparky's family moved from Georgetown to Rehoboth in 1940, when he was just 10 years old. He attended Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock, Va., Class of 1948. Immediately following graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 until his honorable discharge in 1953. His love of woodworking, specializing in repairs, additions, and some home building, evolved into a lifelong career as a carpenter and the creation of JE Thoroughgood Company. Sparky married Barbara Butz White in 1954.
Retiring in 2005, Sparky enjoyed retirement beginning in his mid-70s. His work included various construction projects and building homes. Sparky's love of woodworking continued outside of his career, as evidenced by the many handmade pieces of furniture he made for his grandchildren. An avid golfer, he hit the links whenever the opportunity presented. He was an active member of the Lion's Club and a past president. Above all Sparky cherished time with those he held dear. He was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Loved by many, he will be deeply missed by all.
In addition to his parents, Sparky was preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara Thoroughgood in 2009; his daughter Nancy Thoroughgood; and his four brothers. He is survived by his stepchildren: William (Butch) White and wife Judi of Montgomery Village, Md., and Suzanne Adair and husband Wiliam Sharp of Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.; grandson, George Marker and his wife Jamie; four additional grandchildren: Wendy Gill (Curtis), Cynthia White, Stephanie Alderfer (Zachary) and Annie Adair and her husband Francesco Gronchi; and seven great-grandchildren: Brooklyn Marker, Sophia and Deigo Gronchi, Jackson and Charles Gill, and Madelyn and Abigail Alderfer.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 16, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where friends and family may visit beginning at noon. A luncheon will take place following the funeral service.
For those unable to attend in person, all are invited to join the service via livestream by visiting: parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituatuaries/permalink/10683290/LTWebcast.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Home of the Brave Foundation, 6632 Sharps Mill Road, Milford, DE 19963.
Visit Sparky's Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
