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Jimmy Parker Obituary
Bountiful, UT-Jimmy Bruce Parker left this life and peacefully passed into the next on Friday, September 9, 2011. He was born on February 8, 1939 to Gerald Edward and Ida Eleanor (Tilford) Parker in Caldwell, Idaho. He attended public schools in Homedale, Idaho where he met his eternal sweetheart, Sherlene (Sherry) Byington. They were married on August 29, 1958 and sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on November 25, 1959. Jimmy graduated from BYU with a Bachelor's degree in secondary education, a major in physics and a composite minor in math and chemistry. He taught at Central Jr. High and Bonneville High Schools in Idaho Falls, Idaho for a short time before beginning his career in family history on the 3rd of July, 1963 at the Genealogical Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In the beginning of his career, he traveled to many different locations in the United States and Canada, gathering records for the library. He served in many positions in the family history department, including the research department and priesthood genealogy department. He was the manager of the Family History Library for five and a half years and retired in December of 1999. He served as a missionary in Family History and Worldwide Support from June 2007 to December 2009. He was a well known writer and a great educator, teaching all over the North American Continent at the National Genealogical Conferences and BYU Education Week. He served on the board of The International Commission of the Accreditation of Professional Genealogy, president of the National Genealogical Teachers of America, Association of Professional Genealogist and President and Fellow of The Utah Genealogical Society. He was accredited in many areas of North American Research. His great love of family history and temple work has been passed on as a legacy to his family.
Jimmy was a wonderful husband and father. He and Sherry spent many happy moments together doing their family history and working at the branch library helping others. He lovingly taught many of his children and grandchildren math and other subjects at the kitchen table over the years. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends and associates.
Jimmy is survived by his eternal companion and sweetheart, Sherry, his dear sister, Janet (Ron) Martin, eleven of his fourteen children, Tauna Hinckley, Tara (Blaine) Scott, Jamie (Scott) Robinson, Trudi (Kevin) O'Brien, Kerrie (Kent) Jones, Trina (Brad) Lemmons, Matthew (Michelle) Parker, Becky (Arden) Godwin, Maralee Croft, Amy (Joseph) Recksiek, Joshua Parker. He is also survived by 34 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren and numerous other extended family.
He was preceded in death by three children, two great-grandchildren and his parents. A special thank you to Rocky Mountain Hospice, Dr. Regina Klein and all other medical personnel who lovingly contributed to his care.
The following words by Ralph Waldo Emerson sum up Jimmy's life.
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of the intelligent people
And the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
And endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better
Whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch or a redeemed social condition'
To know that one life has breathed easier
Because you lived here,
This is to have succeeded.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 15, 2011 at the Bountiful 43rd Ward, 990 North 100 West. Friends and family may call Wednesday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main, and Thursday morning 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment-Bountiful City Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jimmy Parker
William L. Gaham
September 5, 2020
As it turns out, Jimmy and I were 10th cousins (once removed) in our fathers' lines. Certainly pleased to be related more closely spiritually as a brother. Happy that I was introduced to family history by Lillian Cady; happy that I was placed on the strait path by Jimmy.
Linda Spooner
September 25, 2011
I never met this man but I am a FHC consultant and have seen my work progress
because of this man. Thank you is all I
can say. I send my condolences to his
family. Linda
Janell Vasquez
September 23, 2011
I started working with Jimmy just this year on the FamilySearch Wiki. What a great man. He was always so kind and helpful. He had some incredible accomplishments, but he was so humble, he never made is voice seem more important than everyone else's. I didn't even realize until reading his obituary what he had done in his "past lives." He was just so incredibly helpful and supportive; a kind, gentle man that we were all blessed to know.
Dave Putnam
September 22, 2011
Jimmy was the kind of supervisor who took you under his wing, and in a loving way guided you. When I made mistakes as an employee at the Family History Library, Jimmy would immediately call me over to chat. In such a kind way he'd explain the situation and suggest other ways to move ahead. Afterwards there came his warm smile, and kind words. He loved us! I will really miss him, and will look forward to a happy reunion. Dave Putnam Jr.
Rick Casady
September 20, 2011
Jimmy was my first contact with the Family History (then, called the Genealogical) Department in 1986. I remember him being over the Correspondence Unit. Later, of course, he headed things up for a few years. How many things have changed in the department since then! Hard to believe how many have gone on that I've worked with for the past 25 years. I'm sorry for your loss.
Millie McCuen
September 20, 2011
The Coach was a wonderful friend and a dear and loving mentor he taught everyone something of value and he will be missed very much
William Graham
September 19, 2011
Jimmy assisted me with my AG some 15 years ago. There could not have been a better mentor. I'm sure now he's discovered his missing Davis relative, a problem which was plaguing him at the time.
Mary E. V. Hill
September 18, 2011
To the Parker family: How blessed you all are to have such a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather! Jimmy came into my life when I was studying Family History at BYU. He approved me being hired at the Family History Library in 1995, talked with me about how best to organize genealogy records, and we even discovered we both descend from the Cheesman family of New Jersey! May all who love him know of his love for you.
Blessings to you, Mary E. V. Hill
Barry KIRK
September 17, 2011
Dear Sherry and the Parker family:
It was not too long ago that Jimmy and I visited at the Family History Library. I always appreciated his friendship; we worked together for many years, and he helped me a lot to help the patrons in their research. He was/is a great example.
May Heavenly Father bless you at this time, while Jimmy has left on another mission.
Barry and Sue Kirk
September 15, 2011
Dear Sherry and Family,
I have just finished reading all the
wonderful tributes and memories of Jimmy,
what more can be said except to agree with all of them. But i also remember what a great friend and man he was,and i
cherish the memories of our time together.He was one of the happiest people i know and just to be with him was
inspiring. In all the times we spent together I never saw him angry or upset his Smile (already mentioned a lot in
these tributes) and happy disposition was
infectious and inspiring. Sherry,his love
for you and his family was something he
mentioned often. I have wonderful memories of our association and the early days of the Reasearch Department of
the Genealogical department in all our
travels,seminars,lectures and record discoveries and negotiations he was a shining light and great example,and i might add fun to be around. He will be
greatly missed by all knew him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you
and yours.
John Stables, Holladay UT
Janene Morgan
September 15, 2011
Jimmy was a dear friend. I loved working with him at Family History Expos Library retreats. He was a gentleman and a scholar. The students all loved him, as did I. He will be greatly missed.
September 15, 2011
One eternal Thank You! from the wiki users, administration, & staff to our illustrious contributor "Jbparker".
Your inspiration, encouragement, and innumerable contributions will live forever within the hearts of all of us in the FamilySearch: Research Wiki community.
Loretta Evans
September 15, 2011
Dear Parker Family,
I know that many other guest book comments say the same thing, but Jimmy was a mentor to me as well. I was a brand new AG. Jimmy gave me a chance. He published my article in "Everton's Family History Magazine." He encouraged me to speak at conferences, and even asked my to give a presentation when he lead a course at SLIG. When I was trying to get speakers to come to Southeast Idaho, he came several times at his own expense.
Not only did he know genealogy, he was a wonderful friend. He will be sorely missed.
Anne Furan Spartz
September 15, 2011
I am blessed to have had Jimmy Parker touch my life and share his knowledge with me over several years of genealogy retreats in SLC. A mentor, a never-to-be-forgotten friend. On behalf of all of us little people who were lucky to have you touch our lives, Thank You. Rest in Peace.
Karen Fasy Wood
September 15, 2011
Dear Parker family,
I just want you to know that Jimmy made a genealogist out of me and I am so appreciative. He drummed into us to always make good source notes because we may need them later. And we were to make an index if we did a book. I was so happy that I followed his advise, when ten years later I finally decided to put my research into a book.
I delivered a copy to him and the first thing he did was look to see if I had indexed it. I was proud to say I did, and that I had my sources down.
He was an excellent teacher and a friend since our time in Young Marrieds, in Bountiful when we lived at 989 N. 2nd. W. in Bountiful.
Sherry, thanks for coming to Bear Lake to help him give us a training session. We will all miss his influence.
Dawne Hole
September 15, 2011
Dear Sherry nad children-
Please know that Jimmy's picture is on the Main page of the Research Wiki as the first Outstanding contributor to the wiki.He has done so much for all of us!
i had the joy of working for 24 years at the FHL and Jimmy, was of all the men that lead the Library the most Christ like. He is so very fine. Now i have had the delight of working with him on the Wiki.
We love him years ago when he would come into the library I was greeting all the employees and missionaries before the FHL opened in the morning. He would always stop and many times he would tell me about his family, how he loves YOU ALL.
thank you for sharing him with us.
love, Dawne Hole
Russell and Leslie Bangerter & family
September 15, 2011
Jimmy was always a close mentor and friend to me, especially when it came to family history/genealogy.
He helped my parents and my wife's parents in so many different ways, as well as other people from many walks of life.
He is a great example of a professional genealogist and knew that labor of love like the "back of his hand."
He is sorely missed.
September 15, 2011
Dear Sherry:
Lord bless you and your dear family at this time of loss and heart-ache. I cherish the memory of your wonderful husband and Eternal companion. He was a dear friend, a (genealogical) mentor and a marvelous colleague to me for many years as I worked with him here in the Family History Library. There was so much that he shared about you, his sweetheart, and your wonderful family as we labored together. He made me feel almost a part of your family!
Please know of my love for you and for him; I am proud to have been deemed by him as a friend. The magnanimous aspect of his marvelous spirit is that he made sooo many feel 'at home' and a friend! No pun intended--he was a kindred spirit to many among whom he associated and he was loved by so many! He clearly identified himself as a true gentleman among men! He and his influence will be greatly missed in so many ways. We keep you and your family in our prayers!
Lord be with you and your Family, and His Spirit Comfort you at this time.
Phillip Dunn
Michael Ritchey
September 15, 2011
Jimmy is one of the best men I have ever known. In many ways he is what I want to be when I grow up. To me he is a partner, collaborator, friend, confidante, and mentor. He always embodied a trait that one of my college history professors said is one of the hallmarks of a wise man: He could "disagree without being disagreeable." I trust him completely -- I could tell him anything and know that it would never be used as leverage against me. He could suggest changes to me without ever leaving me feeling defensive. I loved working with him, bouncing ideas off of him, and figuring out solutions together. He was my best support as a leader. I'll sorely miss his company, guidance and especially his friendship until we meet again.
Debbie Latimer
September 15, 2011
Dear Parker family...What an amazing man Jimmy is- I don't think I ever saw him without his warm inviting smile. He was an extra-miler and always willing to take time to help. His love for family history was contagious which inspired many. I can only imagine what Bob Gunderson, Frank Smith and David Gardner have planned to get him involved in on the other side. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time and pray the spirit of peace and comfort will be with your family.
September 15, 2011
Sister Parker,
You and Jimmy are, as he said last week while you were out of the room, "one from the moment we were sealed and it has been the greatest blessing of my life". What a blessing it is to be counted as Jimmy's friend and to be told by him that he loves me. I know your's is a powerful testimony of the reality of our Savior and the eternal nature of the family. Thank you for sharing so much with so many. Love Stan Lindaas
Don Redd
September 15, 2011
What a true saint is Jimmy Parker. He make me feel good everytime I talked to him. I thank God and Sherry for sharing Jimmy with me.
Beth Longley, AG®
September 15, 2011
Dear Parker Family,
Yesterday I learned of Jimmy's passing and was saddened beyond expression. He was young and energetic in Spirit and not only loved by all but respected by all! Jimmy was the Family History Library manager when I worked in the US/CAN Unit and helped me become an Accredited Genealogist. He inspired me and nurtured my interest in (and love for) Family History/Genealogy research. I will miss my friend and mentor and pray you may be comforted in your time of loss.
Val Greenwood
September 15, 2011
Dear Sherry, I wish I could be there for Jimmy's funeral this morning, but my wife and I are on a mission in New York City. I have many fond memories of my associations with Jimmy going back to the beginning of his employment with the GS. I always admired him for the work he did, his involvement in important genealogical causes, and his way of getting things done. He was a great man and he shall be sorely missed. My prayers are with you and your family at this very tender time.
Isabell Stringham
September 15, 2011
Dear Sherry and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. My mother and father thought so highly of him and appreciated his help to them so much. You and he were good friends to them in the Bountiful 5th Ward. I also have enjoyed and benefited from his great expertise and friendship. He truly filled his life with things of eternal value and blessed so many. I believe he really exemplified the words you wrote in his obituary. May your coming days and years be blessed with the knowledge of the eternal plan of our Heavenly Father.
Joe and Isabell (Oleson) Stringham
Judi Hansen
September 15, 2011
Jimmy was a true gentleman, kind, considerate, helpful, encouraging - always willing to share his love for family and family history and great expertise in many, many areas. He was a treasured friend. My sympathies as you honor his life and memory
Gordon Remington
September 14, 2011
I knew Jimmy in many different roles in Family History. I valued his leadership and friendship. It was always a pleasure to sit and talk with him. He was truly a Prince among men.
Lise Embley
September 14, 2011
I first met Jimmy when I wandered into a FamilySearch Wiki User Group meeting that he was running. He encouraged me to come back, and I did... That was more than three years and 2,000 edits ago! How I will miss his steadiness and focus, as well as his coaching and encouragement!
September 14, 2011
Dear Sherry, we were sad to hear of Jimmy passing. I worked with him in the family history dept. and have many fond memories of the time we spent together. I know he loved the work of family history and leaves a great legacy for those that follow him. May The knowledge of the gospel give you the peace you need in the days to come. Jack and Janice Purser
Pam Halford
September 14, 2011
Sherry and family, We extend our heartfelt sympathy and love to you all at this time of loss. Jimmy was a good person. He has contibuted much in his life and will be missed my many. We have good memories of him and the family. It was an honor to live in your neighborhood and know you all for the time we were there. May you all be blessed in the days to come without him physically by your side. With love, Stephen and Pam Halford
Tyler Byington
September 14, 2011
I am sure he was welcomed by angels, to continue his work on the other side.Grandma Byington probably could use his help. Sorry for your loss. I know he will be missed.I am certain we will all meet again in a Joy-filled Reunion.
Chris Storey
September 14, 2011
To Jimmy Parker's family, So sorry for your loss, I did'nt know Jimmy personally but knew him through the Idaho Genweb.We will miss him!
Matthew D. Friend
September 14, 2011
IDGenWeb Project Team Members will miss Jimmy Parker. We want to thank you for your time and effort in being a team member for Owyhee County. You will be miss. Our condolences to his family.
IDGenWeb Project Team
http://idgenweb.org/
Stephen Kendall
September 14, 2011
Dear Sherrie and Family;
I had the privilege of working with Jimmy in the Family History Department for 29 years. We were able to work often together when he was manager of the library. While his knowledge and expertise were great and helpful, it was who he was that made such a difference! I loved his cheery disposition. He was filled with a love of God and all men. As a result, he could be counted on to search for solutions to difficult problems that would benefit both the work and all of the people involved. To him each person he met was someone to get to know and enjoy. This special attitude made him very successful and brings honor to him and you, his beloved family.
Starr Campbell
September 13, 2011
I love you Jimmy. I will miss you. It was an honor to know you sweet friend
September 13, 2011
We met Jim when we were making the decision to home school our children in the late 1980s. He was a diplomatic liaison between the Davis School District and home school parents. On this basis alone, he was a guardian angel. We will be forever grateful.
Bob and Lin Wrathall, Bountiful, UT
September 13, 2011
Dear Sherry and Parker family,
Sue and I are home briefly between missions and note with sadness the passing of Jimmy. I have so many wonderful memories of having worked closely with him and others in the Research Department, back in the days of Frank Smith. He was a "legend" while I was studying genealogy at BYU so I felt privileged to later be one of his work associates. What a loss his parting is to the world of family history, not to mention the Church, though I'm sure he already has a position of responsibility in the world beyond. May the Lord watch over you and comfort you with the knowl;edge that you will be together again in a gloriouis place.
John Laing
Don. Wilson
September 13, 2011
I was one of his associates mentioned, that goes back decades. Jimmy came to Ontario many years ago at my request, to help with the setting up of the Family History Library in Mississauga, near Toronto, the first of its kind in Ontario. He taught classes and shared ideas what were helpful to us.
We enjoyed having Jimmy stay in our home those many years ago, and I was always greeted with his warm, friendly smile when we met.
Since then we have had occasions to visit when I came to Utah and after I moved to Utah ten years ago.
I know family members will miss him, but he will be well received on the other side, and there I’m sure will continue his work.
My thoughts and prayers and good wishes go to his family. With his wonderful heritage of family members, he died a rich man and a righteous one.
Don. Wilson, Spanish Fork, formerly Mississauga, Ontario
Roger & Janice Byington
September 13, 2011
Jim was always there for our family. He always had a great big hug to go along with his great advice. We've learned so much from him. With the family history gathering he has done over the years...we can just imagine he must be having a big joyous, family reunion. We are thankful to have known and loved him. We will miss him.
Joy Price
September 13, 2011
Jimmy will be greatly missed by many. He did so much to encourage for me and many others in Family History endeavors. He gave of his time and skills so willingly. He came to Eastern Idaho several times to help and teach us to promote Family History in this area. He was an outstanding instructor and an amazing individual.
Maralee Croft
September 13, 2011
I loved my Dad so much! He was a wonderful example of faith and strength. Always encouraging and loving. He was there for me during my deepest, darkest trials giving me strength and advice only a father can give. Daddy, I miss you!!
I am grateful to all of you who have written a message, were counted among friends, attended his family history classes, worked with him in any capacity, and who showed love to him during his life. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!
Kip Sperry
September 13, 2011
To Sherry and the Jimmy Parker family: I was very sad to learn about Jimmy's recent illness and his passing. I worked with him for many years at the Family History Department in Salt Lake City. He was a great friend, an excellent teacher, and an expert family historian. He will be greatly missed, especially with his Native American (Indian) background and resources. My family and I send our deepest sympathy.
Vicki Standing
September 13, 2011
I will always remember the kindness Jimmy showed as I entered the world of genealogy. His remarks of the Family History Library being an extension of the temple stay with me always. He is a great man with a mission to fulfill in the heavens. I am a better person for having crossed paths with Jimmy.
Debbie Edward
September 13, 2011
Jimmy was so very helpful and encouraging when I was learning how to author articles for the Family Search Wiki when we were both missionaries. He was a wonderful example of patience and kindness that I hope to emulate.
Sally Phillips-Turner Class of 1956
September 13, 2011
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Barbara Honn
September 13, 2011
I am selfishly so sad to know that Bro Parker has left us all behind. His and Sheri's hospitality, his willingness to take time out for all of us when he was FH Director, a fellow FH Missionary, conference presenter or FH computer guru - demonstrated his personal concern for each of us. His selflessness was boundless. May the Lord's greatest comfort and blessings be with all of his family....and all his many friends.
Judie Fry
September 13, 2011
I always enjoyed his seminars. It was such a pleasure when he was our guest speaker at a genealogy conference in the Escondido Stake. He was so personable and willing to answer questions. Truly he will be missed.
September 13, 2011
To Jimmy's Family, I still remember when I took the AG test and how scared I was and how Jimmy encouraged me. He made the difference and I passed. Always enjoyed his insights at various conferences. He will be greatly missed.
Sylvia Murray Havre MT
Carol C. Reynolds
September 13, 2011
I come from way back in Jimmy's early beginnings at the "Genealogical Society" in SLC. About 1969-70. We worked together when I was a "greenie" just beginning my family history career. When the Society moved to the COB, I was transferred to the Vaults & life went on, marriage, 7 children, etc. Jimmy always stood out in my mind and heart through the years. He was a kind and loving person who helped many, including myself, just by his example and the way he lived. I don't even think he would remember me, though he would remember the era. Though involved in his work, he always had time to say "hi" or to give a smile. Now that his time on earth is over, I know he is busy still with his "work". My prayers are with his family who I know he loved so very much. May the Lord be with you all. Jimmy has left a legacy well worth following. A friend from the past.
George Durrant
September 13, 2011
Dear Sherry and all the Posterity of Jimmy and Sherry, September 13, 2011
Since I learned of Jimmy’s temporary departure, I have had so many memories of him flood into my mind and heart.
I’ve considered what I am about to say and do not say it lightly.
I proclaim that Jimmy Parker was the most perfect man I have ever known.
He and I shared many experiences which shaped my live. I was about to speak to thousands of people in the Salt Palace at the World Conference on Records. It was the opening session. I was totally concerned. He called me into a private place under the podium area. There he gave me a blessing that I would be up to the assignment. I shall never forget the blessings he called down from Heaven that day.
And there were many other sacred moments he and I shared.
He was truly a man without guile. I knew how much the Lord loved him and so I wanted to be close to him so I would receive some of the reflected joy that the Lord poured out on His servant Jimmy.
And oh how I love you Sherry! And the children. They were like my own.
You will be with Jimmy again. Therefore you will be in a very high place.
I love you all and I will see you at his sacred funeral.
Lovingly and Respectfully,
J. Mark Lowe
September 13, 2011
To all who knew the wonderful Jimmy Parker: We were blessed each day to have a man who cared so deeply about everyone he touched. His smile and willingness to make a difference will be felt long after he is gone. Jimmy was a constant encouragement and pointed to many tasks where he felt I, too, could make a difference. May all of you feel the love from the thousands (millions) of admirers touched by 'our' Jimmy Parker. My deepest condolences to the family and all who loved Jimmy.
Suzanne Adams
September 13, 2011
I feel it a great honor to have known such a wonderful man who has contributed so much to the field of family history...who paved the way for genealogists worldwide. I have truly enjoyed my association with you this past many years. God Bless you and your family!
Rorie Jenson
September 13, 2011
Dear Parker Family, Jimmy will be in my heart forever. He was a great friend and example of faithfulness and love for the Lord. He taught me many things and I thank you for sharing him with me. I will miss him dearly. Rorie Jenson
Beth Davies
September 13, 2011
Jimmy will be greatly missed by all of us in the genealogy community that he served so well for so long.
Susan Parker
September 13, 2011
I'm Jimmy's second cousin once removed. I never had the pleasure of meeting him in person. He was very helpful in the quest to find our genealogical link to Samuel Parker and Bathsheba Cheeseman and graciously agreed to participate in DNA testing for this purpose. Rest in peace.
Melinde Lutz Byrne President, ASG
September 13, 2011
Jimmy, your friends and colleagues at the American Society of Genealogists miss you. Rest well from your labors.
Judy Wight
September 13, 2011
Dear Parker family:
I worked under and with Jimmy at the Family History Library and with various genealogical companies. Any chance I had to visit with him was always a choice experience. Jimmy was a master people person. He was always so comfortable to be around and made each person feel special and important. His smile would light up a room. I'm sure he's lighting up heaven.
May the Lord bless and keep you.
Henry Mantell
September 13, 2011
I am grateful for the help offered to an English visitor to the fore runner of the Family History Library and for the opportunity to be "coached" in contributing to the FamilySearch Wiki for England as the work of family history online replaced the world of paper. I cherished our skype chats at his bed time and my awakening in recent years as we maintained contact and learned together. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. Henry Mantell (Orpington, England)
Thomas Jay & Vi Kemp
September 13, 2011
Our heartfelt sympathies to the family. I have known Jimmy for decades and served with him on the UGA Board. Always a gentleman and friend – he was looked up to and respected by his peers. He had a gift for teaching family history. With his every ready smile and faithfulness he lifted all those around him. He will be missed.
Tom & Vi Kemp
East Hampton, Connecticut
Curt Witcher
September 13, 2011
A great man, and a great friend to family historians everywhere, Jimmy will be missed by many. The smile and the sound advise--what a wonderful combination.
September 12, 2011
Hey "Coach" thank you for all you have done. It was a privilege to be on the mission team with you and help a little with your Indian Project for Wiki. See you later ? Love, S. LaShelle Fisher.
James Anderson
September 12, 2011
He was last active with the FamilySearch Wiki at wiki.familysearch.org on the Indians of North America project which he headed up from the beginning until recently. He also headed and assisted in the Idaho project helping get those pages up and running as well there. I last saw nhim at Rootstech in February and while we heard from him a lot on some of our conference calls, he had not been heard from the last two months or so. The entire genealogical community will miss him, but his legacy will live on with what he placed in the Wiki over the last three years.
Emily Hamilton
September 12, 2011
Dear Parker Family,
Oh how I love your wonderful family! I will always remember going to your home and enjoying time with you. Brother Parker was there for many of my visits and he never ceased to have a smile on his face. He could cheer anyone. He was always there to listen to us as we would share our crazy high school stories and dramas. I loved his outlook on life and I am so grateful to have known him in this life. People have an effect on us and change for the better through small and simple things. Brother Parker's smile and listening ear will always be those small and simple things that impacted my life for the better.
We are thinking about you and your great family at this time. We send all our love.
Love,
Brett, Emily, Abby and Kate Hamilton
Chad & Dianne Smith
September 12, 2011
Dear Sherry & Family,
It has been quite a number of years since we first met you and Jimmy. We loved you from the beginning of our association and have continued to do so over the years. Our occasional meetings have meant a lot to us and we have felt blessed by your friendship and Jimmys love and expertise with family history. May the Lord bless you and your family in the coming days.
Chad and Dianne Smith
Keith Stansell
September 12, 2011
The Homedale High School class of 1957 was so much looking forward to seeing Jimmy at our 55th anniversary reunion next year. He always made it a point to visit with everyone and seemed to enjoy our reunions. He will be in our thoughts as we move on with our plans for next year. He will be missed by all his classmates, many of us having gone through 12 years of school together. Our heartfelt condolences to his family.
Keith Stansell for all the members of the class of '57.
September 12, 2011
Dear Sherry & family,
My sympathies go to all of you!
My association with Jimmy was always a pleasure. We were associates for over 25 years – sometimes he was my boss, sometimes I was his, and other times we just worked side by side. But during ALL those times Jimmy was my exemplar. His professional knowledge was superb, his work ethic always constant. His smile was quick and sincere; his laugh contagious. But, I am certain that it was his warm concern for others that I will remember most. He was truly a “people person.” And above all else I will remember his often mention of his sweet wife, his children and even grandchildren that meant so much to him, and how proud he was when you would visit him in the Library.
May your knowledge of the Power of our Savior’s Atonement bring peace and a calm assurance at this time of separation!
Glade I. Nelson
Clyde Triptow
September 12, 2011
Dear Sister Parker and family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences concerning the passing away of Brother Parker. The dedicated influence of a loving husband, father, and patriarch is a significant matter.
Brother Paker lived the life worth living, as an exemplar servant of the Lord. Brother Parker will be greatly missed by many people.
May the Lord's blessings of comforting solace, continual peace, and abiding love sustain you and your family members during this difficult time of mourning. May you and your family walk the path of bereavement with an enduring eternal perspective of the happy family reunion to come in a far brighter place.
Sincerely,
Clyde and Amelia Triptow
Ruth Maness
September 12, 2011
Dear Sherry and Family...Knowing Jimmy, he's probably already put out the schedule of classes he'll teach up yonder. His thoughtfulness, kindness, willingness to share his great knowledge are marvelous legacies. May he continue to bless your lives through your active remembrance of him.
Toni George
September 12, 2011
I know that you don't know me, but I wanted to offer my sympathies.
The bible talks of a time when there will be no more sickness or death ((Isaiah 33:24) And no resident will say: “I am sick.” The people that are dwelling in [the land] will be those pardoned for their error.
)
I'm sure that is something that your family also hopes for.
I just wanted to share something encouraging with you during this time of hardship.
Jeffrey Haslam
September 12, 2011
To the Parker family...while its been many years since I've seen most of you, you were always considered my second family growing up. Jimmy will be missed and my heart goes out to each of you.
Marilyn Markham
September 12, 2011
Jimmy was so kind and thoughtful. Though very knowledgeable, he was humble and very willing to share and help others. It was a pleasure to know him.
September 12, 2011
Dear Sherry,
I am very sorry to hear of Jimmy's death. My life was touched many times by his kindness, understanding, and generosity. Jimmy was much more than a colleague, he was a valued and trusted friend. We will all share and feel the loss.
NaDine Baird Timothy
Duncan Kuehn
September 12, 2011
I will be forever grateful that he taught us how to do Native American research before he left. I will donate some research time in his honor. What a kind and generous soul who will be greatly missed.
La Kay Ashcroft
September 12, 2011
Sister Parker - I had the woderful opportunity of working with Jimmy for many many years. He was a great friend and coworker. Although I have seen him at conferences, I have missed him since his retirement. May the comforting spirit be with you in your loss.
Karanell Elmer-Rodgers
September 12, 2011
A wonderful wonderful man...Trudi, you and your siblings are so blessed to have such an awesome soul as your earthly father...you are all in my thoughts and prayers...love is eternal
Cheryl Howland
September 12, 2011
I worked with Jimmy at the Family History Library and thoroughly enjoyed that time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joni Call
September 12, 2011
Sister Parker, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. You were such terrific neighbors to Mom Call. Thank you for all you did for her and my prayers are with you at this time.
Joni Call - Clearfield, UT
September 12, 2011
Dear Sherry and Family,
I cannot begin to express my feelings at reading of Jimmy's passing. He was a good friend and a much respected colleague. I don't know of another's opinion I respected more than Jimmy's.
Sherry, I know somewhat of the lonely road you now must walk. As difficult as it will be, the Lord will not leave you without comfort and assurance. You will find new depth to your faith in and testimony of the Savior.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord pour out His Spirit upon you and may you feel of its comfort and peace.
Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander
September 11, 2011
Our family has been very honored to enjoy Jimmy as our Faithful Home Teacher. He was willing any hour of the day or night to assist in Blessings as our various kids 'ailed'. A Great Trumpet player and a Sincere FRIEND. You are Missed ! 2 doors North will never be the same!
vicki Anderson
September 11, 2011
we were so sorry ro hear about Jim's passing. >Aren't we still the kids we went to school with? God bless you all and give you peapce, comfort and understanding at this difficult time.
September 11, 2011
He had the best birthday in the world. I will miss him, and can just imagine the fun he is having catching up with those who went before him.
Randy Bond
September 11, 2011
I am so sorry to hear this. He was a good friend to me.
Tim Bingaman
September 11, 2011
A great man. I always learned something when I talked to Jimmy.
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