Thanks for the reply.
I was jumpering with a heavy wire...saw sparking but heard no solenoid engagement. When the starter was not 'locked' this would spin the starter fine.
The shop (I've been going to them for 20 years) said they replaced the brushes.
I figure the solenoid is stuck because I hear no sound when jumpering the solenoid terminal to +12. I picture the ring gear teeth not meshing with the starter drive.....but may be wrong!

Note, the symptoms are the same before and after the starter work.

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D