James "Jim" G. Ocker

James “Jim” Gilbert Ocker, 70, of Sioux City passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at his residence.

Funeral services for Jim will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Sunnybrook Community Church in Sioux City, with Pastor B.J. Van Kalsbeek officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Following the funeral service, a luncheon and time of fellowship will be held at the church. Burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jim’s honor may be directed to the Hope Center at Sunnybrook Community Church.

James “Jim”, son of Sharon Dale and Donna Mae (Fett) Ocker, was born on October 20, 1955, in Fairbury, Nebraska. Jim spent his early childhood in Diller, Nebraska, and then lived for a year in the Lincoln area while his dad completed college. When Jim was in sixth grade, his family moved to Sioux City, where they made their home. He attended school in Sioux City and graduated from East High School with the Class of 1974.

While in ninth grade, Jim met his future wife, Sandra “Sandy” Lee Sparks. They were married on August 14, 1976, at Grace United Methodist Church in Sioux City. Following their marriage, Jim attended Morningside College for a couple of years.

Jim and Sandy moved to Sacramento, California, where they lived for a couple of years and welcomed their son, Jared. The family later returned to Sioux City. Jim enjoyed a long and successful career in pest management and fire and safety equipment. He worked for Presto-X, Bekins, and General Fire and Safety.

In 2002, Jim and Sandy moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where they lived for several years before returning to Sioux City. Jim retired in April 2023.

Jim enjoyed golfing, reading, and exercising. He was an avid fan of Nebraska Cornhusker football. Most importantly, Jim was a man of strong faith throughout his life. He was actively involved in different churches through the years and especially enjoyed reading the Bible.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sandy; son, Jared (Laura) Ocker; three grandchildren, Brooklyn, Brenna, and Gwendolyn; his mother, Donna Ocker; sister, Linda (Yogi) Hutsen; two brothers, Joe (Lesa) Ocker and John (Mary) Ocker; brothers-in-law, Mark Sparks, Perry (Sherry) Sparks, Jerry Sparks, and Kevin (Jenny) Sparks; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his biological father, Gilbert DeBoer; his father, Sharon D. Ocker; his father and mother-in-law, Burton and Marion Sparks; and brother-in-law, Mike Sparks.

Throughout the years, Jim will be remembered for his apologetic nature and his ability to make people smile. It would be impossible to complete this obituary without one final apology from Jim: “I’m sorry that you had to read this long obituary.” His words, his humor, and his kind spirit will be remembered by everyone who knew and loved him.