James W. Parks passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at the age of 69. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Geneva Parker, Peggy Spaulding and Mary Lively; brothers, Claude Parks, William Parks and Gene Parks; and his parents, Edith Sczepaniak and Jesse Parks. He is survived by his children, Melinda Parks (Carrie Mattern), James “Skeeboo” Parks (Andrea Gramm), Rocky Parks (Tiffany Yennie), Brandy Parks (Derek Wells) and Lydia Gabriel (Shashi); brothers, Don Parks and Marty Sczepaniak; sister, Sherry Piper; 14 grandchildren; his ex-wife, Deborah Parks; and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family members.
James was an avid Saints fan, never met a stranger and was known for his kindness and generosity. He blessed everyone he knew with an open and loving heart and lived his life for his family. James was born and raised on Back Bay in Biloxi. He began working in the shrimping industry at a very young age, serving as Captain on several shrimp boats throughout his career. He retired from the City of Biloxi in 2014 and was a hard-working man who rarely missed a day of work. James was a patient, loving, strong and kind man who was selfless when it came to helping others. It’s hard to put into words what James meant to all of us who were fortunate enough to have him in our lives, especially his children, whom he cherished with all of his heart.
Funeral service will be held at 12pm at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Monday, March 12, 2018. Friends may visit from 10-12pm. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park.