James Howard Parker, 80, of Thomasville, Georgia, passed away at his home on March 2, 2025. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 6, at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
He was born in Birmingham, Alabama, to Leonard and Essie Parker on May 8, 1944. His family later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. His father was a pharmacist, and Jim grew up helping in the family drugstore and soda fountain. He graduated from Frayser High School, earned a bachelor's degree from Memphis State and served in the U.S. Navy as part of an Air Anti-Submarine Squadron. He later obtained a master's degree in sacred music from Baylor University.
Jim owned Parker Keyboard Service, dedicating years to tuning, repairing, and restoring pianos and organs throughout Thomasville and the surrounding counties. He also served as the Director of Music at Ochlocknee Methodist Church. A founding member of the Thomasville Singers, Jim participated in many memorable choral performances, including Paul Liljestrand’s arrangement of The Magnificat. Additionally, he designed and developed a local subdivision, owning and operating its well water supply and pump system.
Jim placed his trust in Christ alone, embracing salvation through repentance and faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He and his wife, Amy Parker, were active members of Thomasville First Methodist Church for nearly 40 years. He cherished the fellowship there and formed many lasting friendships, especially in his Sunday school class.
Jim's love for travel began during his military days, when he sailed across the globe. Along the way, he developed a deep fascination for international coins, each one a reminder of the far-off places he had visited and the stories they told. He was a "prepper" during Y2K, once saw a UFO, and enjoyed the opportunity to meet Leonard Nimoy, the iconic "Spock." But of all his experiences, becoming a grandfather brought him the most joy. Watching his grandchildren grow and witnessing the love they shared became one of his greatest rewards.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Amy Parker, and his brothers Leonard Parker Jr. and John Parker.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Jessica, and son-in-law, Christopher Dell; his grandchildren, Noah, Jonah, and Asa Dell; his nephew, Keith Parker; and his sister-in-law, Hilary Parker.
Instead of sending flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Thomasville First Methodist Church.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Howard Parker, please visit our flower store.
He was born in Birmingham, Alabama, to Leonard and Essie Parker on May 8, 1944. His family later moved to Memphis, Tennessee. His father was a pharmacist, and Jim grew up helping in the family drugstore and soda fountain. He graduated from Frayser High School, earned a bachelor's degree from Memphis State and served in the U.S. Navy as part of an Air Anti-Submarine Squadron. He later obtained a master's degree in sacred music from Baylor University.
Jim owned Parker Keyboard Service, dedicating years to tuning, repairing, and restoring pianos and organs throughout Thomasville and the surrounding counties. He also served as the Director of Music at Ochlocknee Methodist Church. A founding member of the Thomasville Singers, Jim participated in many memorable choral performances, including Paul Liljestrand’s arrangement of The Magnificat. Additionally, he designed and developed a local subdivision, owning and operating its well water supply and pump system.
Jim placed his trust in Christ alone, embracing salvation through repentance and faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He and his wife, Amy Parker, were active members of Thomasville First Methodist Church for nearly 40 years. He cherished the fellowship there and formed many lasting friendships, especially in his Sunday school class.
Jim's love for travel began during his military days, when he sailed across the globe. Along the way, he developed a deep fascination for international coins, each one a reminder of the far-off places he had visited and the stories they told. He was a "prepper" during Y2K, once saw a UFO, and enjoyed the opportunity to meet Leonard Nimoy, the iconic "Spock." But of all his experiences, becoming a grandfather brought him the most joy. Watching his grandchildren grow and witnessing the love they shared became one of his greatest rewards.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Amy Parker, and his brothers Leonard Parker Jr. and John Parker.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Jessica, and son-in-law, Christopher Dell; his grandchildren, Noah, Jonah, and Asa Dell; his nephew, Keith Parker; and his sister-in-law, Hilary Parker.
Instead of sending flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Thomasville First Methodist Church.
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