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BORN
1929
DIED
2016
James PARKS Obituary
News Death Notice
PARKS, James R. Local land developer and renowned stone mason, James R. Parks, died Thursday, April 7, 2016, following complications from an automobile accident. He was 86. "Jim" Parks, who developed Tara Estates in Beavercreek, Ohio, was known for his love of animals, including many exotics that were raised on the Alpha Bellbrook and Upper Bellbrook farms in the 1970s. He was a master stone mason by trade and well known in the building community for his artistic abilities, including the restoration of the Wright Memorial in 1999. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. Jim was born on July 19, 1929 in Dayton, Ohio, to the son of the late Thomas K. Parks and Ruth E. Parks. He is survived by his wife, Jane, of 65 years; son Daniel Parks; daughters Deborah Parks Shempp, Loura Parks Dobbs, and Tracy Parks Davis; sister Patty Key; and grandchildren Peter Shempp Jr., Bridget Parks Campbell, Charles Davis, Andrea Parks Heeb, Jacqueline Shempp Reeves, Trey Davis, Taylor Dobbs Vale, Gib Dobbs, Flynn Dobbs and Mason Parks; great grandchildren Thomas and Victoria Campbell, James and Everett Shempp, and Clara and Chase Vale. A private ceremony for immediate family will be held at a later date.
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Memories and Condolences
for James PARKS
Ed Compton
April 9, 2024
I miss you my friend. You were an amazing mentor. Thank you for helping put me on a good path.
Charles(Chuck) Barthelemy
July 5, 2023
My Father was a Home Builder back in the 50's and 60's and Jimmy was a bricklayer for most of my Dads houses! My Dad thought the world of Jim, so I did also even though I never really met Jim. I remember when Jimmy's Bull got loose around Swigert Rd. and Little Sugarcreek! That was a big deal and was on the news, I think. My thoughts are always with Jimmy's Family!
Stan Wyatt
January 26, 2022
My Dad and Jim Parks were friends from the early 1960s. He was also Jim's veteranarian for his animals when he lived on Alpha Bellbrook. We I was a boy we would go with my dad sometimes when he went to doctor them. I remember he has an Ostrich and some Highland cattle(or maybe it was a Yak) and some other exotic animals. When my dad started as a Veteranarian in 1964 he was looking at land out in the country and looked at 90 acres or so off of Alpha bellbrook road. It wasn't what he was looking for so he told Jim Parks about the land and Jim bought it. He built Tara estates on that property. My dad bought a farm out on Indian Ripple where Windamere estates is now. I used to see Jim around town with his sharpei dogs with him.
Rest In Peace Jim.
Adrian rose
August 19, 2021
I worked for Jim for a couple years he taught me a lot. I always had respect for Jim he was one hell of a worker. he looked me up and down on day and said I should be paying him for for the shape he got me in lol sorry I'm rambling I just wanted to say you'll be missed and the world is a one hell of a guy
Ed Compton
April 6, 2021
I sure wish you were still here Jim. I could use some of your advice. You are missed by many my friend!
Ed Compton
April 6, 2020
I miss you.
Ed Compton
April 6, 2019
Miss you Sir. I considered you to be a mans man. You were a tough guy with a heart of gold, and a passion for life. Thanks for setting a great example in my mind, as I prepared to go off to the Army.
Ed Compton
March 21, 2018
Jim was a mentor, friend and father like figure to me in a time in my life that truly mattered and positively influenced me. He was not only a great man, but also one tough son of a gun mentally and physically.
Beverly Johns
March 16, 2017
I just heard about Mr. Parks passing. I hope this is not coming past time to receive. We lived in Tara for five years. Our home was built on Honey Jane Drive. Our children loved the animals, and thought Mr. Parks was super-cool. We enjoyed our home and Tara very much. I cried buckets of tears when my husband,Bob, was transferred. Thank you Mr. Parks for the lovely memories.
Tim, Connie and Lilly Dunning
April 17, 2016
Our. thoughts and prayers for the whole family. Jim was an amazing man and artist, I still remember him balancing Lilly on his hand! We are blessed to have his incredible stone work throughout our home. Love to all of you.
Dave Beichler
April 15, 2016
So sorry to hear this news. I didn't know Jim that well, but hanging out with Dan for many years, I knew Jim was a straight forward, hard working man, and deserved utmost respect! My prayers go out to all of the family, I am sure he will be missed tremendously.
Jim & Robin Oakley
April 13, 2016
Jim you will be missed your a wonderful person. Our Prayers go out to your family.
Pam Carter Kaiser
April 12, 2016
Rest in peace, Uncle Jim. I'll miss running into you eating out with Aunt Janey.
God, our Father, I ask you give your peace and comfort to this family during the days, weeks and months ahead. Bring sweet memories to mind when they are most missing him. Amen and amen.
Kathy Suoinger
April 12, 2016
I am so very sorry to see this obituary.
My heart and prayers are with the family.
Kathy Carter Supinger
Rob Arnold
April 12, 2016
I was saddened to here of Jim's passing. As a young person you always look up to those people that inspire you. Jim always treated me very well even as a kid. Growing up in Tara I remember Him and my dad doing deals together from an early age. As a young man in real estate, he gave me the opportunity to work for him. I loved his creativity and artistic flair that is apparent in his masonry work. My heart goes out to the family, I know his presence will be greatly missed, He truly was a remarkable man!
Tammy Arnold-Burchfield
April 12, 2016
We are stunned and so sad to hear about Jim's passing! Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family. Jim & Jane were really great to our family. Jim worked with my Dad and gave him opportunities to grow his construction company. We will be forever grateful! I think back on how hard, both, Jim & Jane worked to create the beautiful community of Tara Estates. Jim had vision and creativity that could inspire. I grow up in Tara and enjoyed their exotic animals. They graciously shared their animals with anyone who came to visit. He left his mark on so many things. He will be greatly missed! My mother, Mary Arnold, wanted you to know how much you meant to her. Jim & Jane opened their vacation home to my parents and shared experiences they have treasured all their lives. May Jim and my Dad, who has pasted, be together in God's kingdom until we meet again!
Mike Dunning
April 12, 2016
Danny and family.. I was sorry to hear about your dad. He was truly an extremely talented stone mason and hard working father. I know he'll be missed by many people.. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers...
Diane Dunning
April 12, 2016
My heart goes out to the entire Parks Family. Jim will be greatly missed.
Diane Dunning
Elizabeth York
April 12, 2016
RIP Jimmy
You will be truly missed
Love you
Aunt Betty
Kimmy
April 12, 2016
RIP Jimmy
Debbie Sullivan
April 12, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss, Jim was a very special man. We we were building I so enjoyed working with him. Prayers!
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