James Wilbur Sprowls, 87 of Coal Center, PA (West Pike Run Township) passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2016 in his home.
He was born March 9, 1929 in Somerset Township a son of the late Shirley M. and Eldora H. Deems Sprowls.
Mr. Sprowls attended California Community Schools.
On July 1, 1947 he began a career with the Manufacturers Light and Heat Company eventually becoming knows as Columbia Gas Transmission Corp. retiring in 1991 from their Brownsville facility after 44 years of service spent mostly in the company’s corrosion department.
During his early work years he was employed by his grandfather, Wilbur Deems maintaining Deems Park. He also did farm work and was employed as a greens keeper at the Nemacolin Country Club.
He attended, and on March 22, 1940 became a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bentleyville, where he served on the Stewardship Committee, attended the adult Sunday school classes, and assisted with numerous work projects at the church. He also was a former Elder of the church. He was a member of the former Odd Fellows Lodge, Beallsville. 
Mr. Sprowls enjoyed maintaining his farm throughout his life, traveling, especially in his younger years and spending time with his grandchildren.
On June 25, 1949 he married Cora Belle Fulton Sprowls who passed away February 20, 2016. At the time of her death they celebrated 66 years of marriage.
Surviving is a son Curtis James Sprowls (Linda Meikle Sprowls) of West Pike Run Twp.; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Lynne, Marlinda Ruth and Emma Corajayne Sprowls; one sister-in-law Sara Fulton of Washington, PA; several nieces and nephews.
Deceased in addition to his parents and wife is a daughter Lynne Michele Sprowls Duvall who died October 10, 1983; one brother Shirley Eugene Sprowls; and an infant son who was born and died July 14, 1952.

Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM in the Greenlee Funeral Home 619 Main St. Bentleyville, PA where Funeral Services will be held Saturday July 9, 2016 at 11 AM with Rev. Andy Scott officiating. Interment will follow in Beallsville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to First Presbyterian Church of Bentleyville PO Box 198 Bentleyville, PA 15314.