Background
Sparkes was born at Dubbo, New South Wales in 1889 to James Sparkes and his wife Mary Ann (née Yates).
Sparkes was born at Dubbo, New South Wales in 1889 to James Sparkes and his wife Mary Ann (née Yates).
He was educated at Croydon Park Public School and Street Joseph"s College, Sydney before moving to Queensland in 1910.
By 1912 he had purchased Lyndley Hereford Study at Jandowae, one of the oldest and best known Hereford studs in Australia. Sparkes expanded the stud from its original 3,000 acres to 16,000 acres by acquiring adjoining properties. Over the years he went on to acquire many properties across the southern part of the state.
Sparkes was elected as a councillor to the Wambo Shire Council in 1916 and eventually became its chairman between 1922-1931 and 1937-1952.
He entered the state parliament in 1932, winning Dalby for the Country and Progressive National Party but did not seek re-election in1935. During this period he was the Opposition whip from 1950 till 1957.