2/24/30 TO 1/7/13
James Milton Parks, 82, died Monday, January 7, 2013 at Gulfport Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness. Mr. Parks was born February 24, 1930, in Pueblo, Colorado, to George Dewey and Francis (Cash) Parks.
Most of his early years were in Colorado. In the early 1950’s, the family moved to Clearfield UT where he graduated from Davis High School and the University of Utah with a Masters of Social Work degree. Jim lived and worked briefly in Chillicothe Ohio before moving to Gulfport in 1962. Jim retired from the Gulfport VA Medical Center after thirty plus years of service during which time he was an instructor teaching with the Mississippi Alcohol Safety Education Program.
Jim was a lifelong member of the National Association of Social Workers and served as President of the Gulf Coast chapter.
His love of sailing brought him to the Gulf Coast. For many years Jim was the President of the Gulfport Harbor Boat Owners Association. He enjoyed travelling around the world, boating and spending time with his family. A highlight of sailing and travel was a sailing cruise to Cuba.
Jim and Donna were members of the Mardi Gras Folie a Krewe hosting the Krewe’s float until it was lost to Katrina.
Jim’s indomitable spirit refused to allow a storm like Hurricane Katrina to drive him away from his beloved Gulf Coast. He rallied the community with signs of “Blvd of Broken Dreams”, Hiway of Hope” and “On the Road to Recovery” and rebuilt the family home.
Jim along with his wife Donna were very instrumental in the preservation of Jones Park after its destruction during Hurricane Katrina.
As a veteran, Jim proudly served his country during the Korean War aboard the USS Essex.
Jim married Donna-Mae Dellenbach in 1953 and together they had three sons: Cary James, Steven Eugene and the late Theodore Scott Parks.
Scott predeceased Jim in 2007 after a fatal overdose of radiation but Jim saw that his son’s death would help save the lives of others. He provided testimony to Congress on radiation accidents with an impassioned statement that lead to improved safety in the use of radiation treatment for all citizens.
He is survived by his wife, Donna-Mae Dellenbach Parks of Gulfport, MS; sons Cary J. (Jae) Parks, Hampton, VA, Steven E. Parks, Thailand and brothers and their spouses, Robert Parks and William (Valerie) Parks.
He leaves to cherish his memory grandchildren; Mesha K. Parks, Idaho, Jerale D. Clebourne, Lynchburg, Virginia and great grandchildren Kirstin A. and Xoe E. Clebourne, Lynchburg, Virginia along with numerous friends and family.
The family wishes to thank lifelong friends Frank and Eva Roehm, and Albert and Rosemary Felsher who were steadfast in helping the family during his illness.
He was preceded in death by his parents George Dewey and Frances Parks, son T. Scott Parks and sisters in law Dorothy Dellenbach Roberts and Cheryl Barlow Parks. His best friend Tom Wise also preceded him.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Aleethia Foundation (supporting recently injured troops in their rehabilitation upon returning home) at 1718 M Street NW Suite 1170 Washington DC 20036 or online at Aleethia.org or a favorite charity.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery, Biloxi.
View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com