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BORN
1924
DIED
2018
James Parker Obituary
James "Jim" Parker
CHAPEL HILL — James Howard "Jim" Parker, 93, of Carolina Meadows, died Sunday morning, March 11, 2018 at UNC Hospital.
He was born on Sept. 2, 1924, in Tarboro, the son of the late James Howard and Rosa Fleming Parker. He was a graduate of Tarboro High School and a 1949 graduate of the University of North Carolina.
He served three years in the U.S. Army during World War II, including 18 months in Europe with the Ninth Infantry Division, where he was a squad leader and earned a Purple Heart.
Following military service, he enrolled at UNC and graduated from the school of Journalism in May, 1949. He went to work for the Chatham News in Siler City, remaining there until 1966. During that time, he served as news editor of The Chatham News and editor of its sister publication The Liberty News.
In July 1950, he married the former Hallie Stewart McLean of Lenoir. The couple lived in Siler City until 1966, when they moved to Clinton, where he became editor and publisher of The Sampsonian. In 1976 The Sampsonian merged with The Sampson Independent, of which he also served as editor and publisher. In 1978-79, he was elected President of the North Carolina Press Association, having previously been vice-president and a member of the board of directors. He also served a term as director of the Journalism Foundation of UNC and was chairman of both the Chatham County and Sampson County library boards.
After retirement in 1986, Jim and Hallie moved to Micaville, in Yancey County. For the next eight years, Jim operated Parker's Antiques in downtown Micaville.
A Presbyterian by marriage, he served as an elder in the Siler City, Clinton and Burnsville churches and also served five years as clerk of the session in the Burnsville church.
In 2001, Jim and Hallie were honored by their daughter Stewart with the establishment of the James H. and Hallie McLean Parker Professorship at the School of Journalism at UNC-CH.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Hallie McLean Parker, of Carolina Meadows, Chapel Hill; two daughters, Hallie Stewart Parker of Chapel Hill and Livingston, Montana, and Edith Parker of Iowa City, Iowa and husband David Cohen; three sons, James H. Parker III and wife Jane Yokoyama of Asheville, David McLean Parker and husband Robert Huls of Chapel Hill, and Michael Fleming Parker and partner Maud Casey of Saxapahaw and Austin, Texas; two grandsons, Samuel Kazuo Parker of Carrboro and David Michael Akiyoshi Parker of Berkeley, California; two granddaughters, Emma Catharine Parker of Durham, and Hallie Grace Huls of Chapel Hill; and a sister-in-law, Ruth Parker of Siler City.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and five sisters.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at the main auditorium at Carolina Meadows Retirement Community, 100 Whippoorwill Lane, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27517.
In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to make a donation in his memory to TROSA (www.trosainc.org) or North Carolinians Against Gun Violence (www.ncgv.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Parker
Ann Lokey
March 6, 2025
Among other delightful treasures that Jim gave me are two beautiful, handmade birdhouses. I think of his creative generosity every day as I watch the arrival of new residents this spring.
Debra Roberts
March 6, 2021
Will forever hold a special part in my heart. Love Debra. At Carolina .Meadows
king soopers
March 6, 2020
jim was a great person and newspaper man. He always greeted me with a smile and clarity. His addition to Clinton was a great advancement to our community. He would laugh at the stories that were terrific like (I think) 7 mile Hopewell, where 2 sisters ran a "cat house". So I will remember him with fondness!
Debra Roberts
March 6, 2019
Although it has been almost a year, it seems like yesterday. Gone but will never be forgotten.
David & Joyce Wise
March 28, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time.
We loved all of you children. Our daughters, Melanie & Wendy
Were classmates of most of you. May God bless all of you.
March 22, 2018
Dearest Hallie, Stewart and family,
I just learned today of Jim's passing and am so sorry for your loss and the loss of this great man. Had I known I certainly would have attended the memorial service. We Lisk's and Parker's go back about as far as one can get in way of the good old days of 'the neighborhood' in Siler City. Good memories for sure. Prayers to all of you in this difficult time.
Martha Lisk
Ed Taylor
March 22, 2018
I was so sorry to hear about Jim's death. I have such fond memories of him and all of the Parker family. Hallie was in my choir at the First Presbyterian Church and all five of the Parker children were part of the CHS band during their school days. Jim was always an ardent supporter of the CHS band. He worked so diligently with the Band Boosters to help earn money for all of our needs - instruments, uniforms, trips - anything we required to have a great band. Jim was a gift to Clinton for his unending support for anything that would make Clinton great. My deepest sympathy to all of the family.
Debra Roberts
March 20, 2018
My love, prayers, condolence to all the Family. Mr Jim, was such a inslpiration to me. He educated me on a lot of things I didn't understand especially in politics, which he would speak his mind. I had the pleasure in caring for him and his dear wife, Ms Hallie. Whom he adored for 66 years. He will be truely missed in a lot of ways.. I promised him I will continue caring for Ms Hallie as long as I can. In Christ Love, Debra
Joey Cortez
March 18, 2018
Hallie, Sandra has constantly kept me updated over the years on your family. Especially Stewart and Michael and many of his articles written in magazines and books. I actually met Michael a few years back in Charlotte at one of his book signings. When I learned of the passing of Jim and I read the obituary it became very apparent what a wonderful man he was. I can remember Jim very vividly as the editor of the Sampsonian and independent . From my early days as a teenager I've always enjoyed reading his newspaper articles. When I was in school at Appalachian State my grandparents would save the newspapers, The Sampson independent, for me when I came home from school for breaks. They knew I love to read the Sampson independent. still enjoy reading a newspaper until this very day. I want to thank you and your family For being such a positive influence in my life. Halle, you'll always have a place in my heart, I love you. God bless, Joey Cortez
Miriam White
March 17, 2018
So sorry to hear this news! I loved working with Hallie when I worked at Butler Avenue! After the 1982 UNC National Championship game we went up to UNC together to see the new champions and we ate lunch at the very place where Jim had asked her to marry him. He was a special man! Thinking of Hallie and the children as they say goodbye to a great man!
Phyllis Haga
March 17, 2018
The Jordan-Matthews High School of 1965 sends our condolences to the family of Jim Parker and especially to Mrs. Parker, who taught some of us while she was a teacher at J-M.
Sherri White-Williamson
March 16, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your father was a wonderful, caring and sincere person. His journalistic skills were unsurpassed. I will always remember the conversations that I had with him and you Mom. My prayers for you and your family.
Leslie Aldridge
March 16, 2018
I grew up with the Parkers and have so many fond memories of Jim, Hallie and their family. Will always remember his kindness and devotion to my family, especially my Dad, a lifelong friend. My thoughts are with all of you - Leslie
Mitch Lockamy
March 15, 2018
To Mr. and Mrs. Parker. God bless Mr. Parker's soul. I last saw him with Hallie and Stewart at the Algonquin Hotel in NYC and we had a swimming time.
Bill Starling
March 15, 2018
I don't know of anyone who helped shape our understanding of this community more than Mr. Parker. His editorial voice was questioning but always elevating. It's hard to remember his contributions without remembering those of his family...the most enduring part of time and service here. Prayers to all you.
Rose (Williams) Linen
March 15, 2018
My Father, Raymond T. Williams, worked at The Sampsonian as a printer and Mr. Parker was the person who hired him. Mr. Parker also hired me as a receptionist the summer before I went to college in 1980. Mr. Parker was a kind and generous man and he and his family had an indelible impression upon my family. His solid work as a newspaper writer and editor will live on and his expressions of generosity will never be forgotten.
Sharon Winders Pope
March 15, 2018
Mr Parker, a fine man. He was my boss for several years at The Sampson Independent. I went to school with his children. He and Mrs Hallie were our neighbors. There is to much good to say about this man. Prayers for the family who have been so blessed.
Sharon Winders Pope
March 15, 2018
Mr Parker, a fine man. He was my boss for several years at The Sampson Independent. I went to school with his children. He and Mrs Hallie were our neighbors. There is to much good to say about this man. Prayers for the family who have been so blessed.
Tim Bass
March 14, 2018
Mr. Parker gave me my first job in journalism--an internship after my junior year of college. He took a gamble on me, and I learned so many rookie lessons and made so many dumb mistakes at his expense. He was always patient and generous, a kind man with a quick wit. He once said that the role of the newspaper was to give a voice to those who couldn't speak up for themselves. His ideals, his dedication to real journalism, made a big difference to my hometown of Clinton, and to me as a young, clueless reporter. And he was the only boss I've ever had who whistled while he worked.
My condolences to Mrs. Parker and the children, all of whom I count as friends.
Ashly Watson
March 14, 2018
My condolence goes to the Parker's family. I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Mr Parker and his wife in the fairways at Carolina Meadows. He was a very kind loving man. Who Main priority and concern was of family and others. He was always a character of kindness and always had a cheerful heart. He had a talented hands in making pottery which I enjoyed him sharing and show me his work. His main forces in life was caring for his wife and her wellbeing. He will be truly missed in so many ways. My heart in with his family and wife he was amazing husband, father, friend I could go on and on about this amazing person I had the honor to work with.
Julie Hedgepeth Williams
March 13, 2018
Jim was a wonderful boss. I worked at The Sampson Independent from 1981-88. We gave me a wonderful start into the world of work and the world of journalism. He had faith in me. And he meant so very much to me and so many others. Those were some good old days.
Stephanie Bass
March 13, 2018
Jim Parker was a solid newspaperman who made a tremendous contribution to the state through his work. I am so sorry for Hallie's and the children's loss. I won't be able to attend on Saturday, as I will be visiting my last remaining aunt in Charlotte. Peace to all y'all, and thanks for all you do.
Rob and Brenda
March 13, 2018
Our condolences to Jim's family. May our Heavenly Father grant you inner peace as you mourn the loss of your loved one.
Alice Leder
March 13, 2018
Jim Parker was a friend of Martin and me. He had the best views in the paper ( including the women of "the cat house". He reminded me of Atticus Finch as he said his mind and it was correct!! Clinton will miss this great man!
March 13, 2018
Sympathy!
Lucille Yancey
Carla Peterson
March 13, 2018
I am sorry to learn of your loss. Your family was special in every way. Sending love and thoughts your way during this very sad time.
Susan Phillips
March 13, 2018
So sorry to hear of Jim's death. They have always been admiral friends of mine. I babysat for their five children, and Hallie was my Latin teacher.
Jim McLean
March 13, 2018
I know from my parents, both natives of Clinton, what an important contribution Mr. and Mrs. Parker made to community life in Sampson County -- and from the wonderful family they raised, what a legacy they have bequeathed to North Carolina and beyond. Mary and I send our condolences to everyone in the Parker family.
Linda and Ross Kirven
March 13, 2018
So sorry to hear about Jim. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time. He was such a wonderful man.
March 13, 2018
Sending thoughts and prays to the Parker Family.
A donation was made to NCGV.gov.
R. Smith, PhD (on behalf of StrideBio, Inc)
Yvonne Lowery
March 13, 2018
Sending sympathy to the Parker Family. You have my sincere condolences and to say I am so very sorry for your loss.
julie wade
March 13, 2018
What a productive, memorable and generally wonderful life (and that's without the prolific ceramics phase)! I am sorry for your loss. I know you loved him very much and will miss him terribly .
--julie & tom in Seattle
Ann M Lokey
March 13, 2018
Dear Parker family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Jim was a man who lifted everyone up with his quick laugh, great sense of humor, and kind, friendly nature. His accomplishments have made this world a better place for many many people. I counted him as a friend of my own. He sent me numerous, sweet, small, whimsical gifts over time that I treasure, including a lovely handmade bird house. I am reminded of him every Spring as it brings new life to my deck. I wish I could lift you all up in some way. I am not there, but please know that I am with you. Love, Ann Lokey
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