James Parker
February 28, 1930 — July 17, 2020
James Wilford Parker, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away
at Stamford Hospital on Friday, July 17, 2020. Born in Keene, NH on February 28, 1930, James
was the son of the late Arthur and Doris Bean Parker. He was 90 years old at the time of his
passing.
Bill, also known as Jim, and Papa, graduated from Keene State in 1952. He served in the Air
Force in Alaska, received his MA degree from UConn, and then earned an additional
professional degree from the University of Bridgeport. He was an educator for over 33 years. An
avid music lover, he sang in choirs all his life, including the First Presbyterian Church choir for
over 60 years. He was an active man, hiking, sailing and biking until recently. He loved to read
and learn about the way things work and the natural world. Like his dad before him, he was
known as “Mr. Fix-it” to his family and friends. He cherished his family and felt very fortunate
to have so many involved in his life.
James is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years; Deborah French Parker, daughters; Joanie
Merrell and Karen Parker and their spouses David Merrell and Gretchen Seifert. His five
grandchildren; James, Timothy and Andrew Parker, Jaimie Charles and Paul Merrell, their
spouses and his 8 great grandchildren were the joy of his days. His brother; David Parker
survives him as well. James was predeceased by his son; James J. Parker.
Funeral services at this time will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in James’ memory to:
Creative Learning @ FPC
1101 Bedford Street
Stamford, CT 06905
And to: Camp Nokomis Facilities and Maintenance
Sent to Merrimack Valley YMCA – Camping Services Branch
360 Merrimack Street Suite 270
Lawrence, MA 01843
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com
at Stamford Hospital on Friday, July 17, 2020. Born in Keene, NH on February 28, 1930, James
was the son of the late Arthur and Doris Bean Parker. He was 90 years old at the time of his
passing.
Bill, also known as Jim, and Papa, graduated from Keene State in 1952. He served in the Air
Force in Alaska, received his MA degree from UConn, and then earned an additional
professional degree from the University of Bridgeport. He was an educator for over 33 years. An
avid music lover, he sang in choirs all his life, including the First Presbyterian Church choir for
over 60 years. He was an active man, hiking, sailing and biking until recently. He loved to read
and learn about the way things work and the natural world. Like his dad before him, he was
known as “Mr. Fix-it” to his family and friends. He cherished his family and felt very fortunate
to have so many involved in his life.
James is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years; Deborah French Parker, daughters; Joanie
Merrell and Karen Parker and their spouses David Merrell and Gretchen Seifert. His five
grandchildren; James, Timothy and Andrew Parker, Jaimie Charles and Paul Merrell, their
spouses and his 8 great grandchildren were the joy of his days. His brother; David Parker
survives him as well. James was predeceased by his son; James J. Parker.
Funeral services at this time will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in James’ memory to:
Creative Learning @ FPC
1101 Bedford Street
Stamford, CT 06905
And to: Camp Nokomis Facilities and Maintenance
Sent to Merrimack Valley YMCA – Camping Services Branch
360 Merrimack Street Suite 270
Lawrence, MA 01843
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Parker, please visit our flower store.