Georgetown: James Sparkman "Sparkie" Bourne, Jr. passed away peacefully on March 19, 2022, at the Veterans Victory House in Walterboro, SC. He was born in Charlotte, NC on April 28, 1921, and was the son of the late James Sparkman Bourne, Sr. and Janie Davis Bourne, formerly of Georgetown. He was married to the late Martha Louise Bourne for nearly sixty-three years. Sparkie graduated from Winyah High School and attended the Georgetown Commercial School prior to entering the service. He served in the European Theatre of Operations with the Eighth Air Force, flying thirty-five raids against Germany. He was awarded five Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He also served in the African and European Theatre. He was a charter Member of the 8th Air Force Historical society and the Station 146 Tower Association at Norwich, England, and a member of the RAF British Air Force Museum at Cambridge, England. After the war, Sparkie returned to Georgetown and was the owner of the Georgetown Roofing, Heating and Air Conditioning Company for forty-one years. He served on the Georgetown County Board of Education for twenty-three years, and was Vice chairman and Chairman for several years. He served on the Maryville Water Association Board and the Georgetown County Board of Commissioners for eight years. He was a lifelong member of the VFW and the American Legion. He was a past President of the Georgetown Cotillion Club and a member of the Winyah Indigo Society. He was a member of Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, serving on the Board of Stewards and the Board of Trustees for over forty years. He was President of the Methodist Men's Bible Class and taught Sunday School. He was the first President and Founding Trustee of the Hart Educational Trust and also the first President and Founding Director of the Sis and Reese Hart foundation, which awards grants and scholarships to deserving students. He remained on the Board until his death. Sparkie was a devoted father and husband. His philosophy in life was: "This too shall pass". Surviving him are: two daughters, Shirley Lynette Bourne-Miller (Edwin) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Martha Patrice Ramsbottom of Austin, TX; one granddaughter, Berkeley Patrice Cox (Garrett) of Denver, CO. Memorial Services will be eleven o'clock on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church. Officiating will be the Rev. E. Rossiter "Ross" Chellis and the Rev. Dr. Dora Gafford. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Saturday in the Church Parlor, from ten until eleven o'clock. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to the charity of one's choice. Please sign a guestbook at: www.mayerfuneralhome.com. The Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home is assisting the family.