James Parham Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

New York, New York

From Prankster to Officer
The joy of being the older brother is that you can do whatever you want simply because you're older. Or at least that's the way James Parham, 33, used to justify the pranks he pulled on his younger brother. "When I was about 7 he got me to stick a coat hanger in the light socket," said Kevin Parham. "All I remember was the hallway looking blue to me and him sitting there tickled to death."

Of course, not all the pranks between the two were so painful. The boys would race one another home from school determined to win control of the television. But big brother always managed to come out on top, mainly because of a scheme. "He'd take the knob off the television so that even if I beat him, I couldn't turn to my channel," Kevin Parham said. "It was stuck on his show, 'Little House on the Prairie.' "

But Mr. Parham the prankster eventually became Mr. Parham the proud United States marine, the proud father of a 3-year- old, Resa, and the respected law enforcement officer. Shortly before he disappeared, he had been promoted to an academy instructor for the Port Authority. "He had so much to be proud of," Kevin Parham said. "But he'd give up everything to help somebody. He was always on the job."

Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on November 6, 2001.

PARHAM-James W. Port Authority Police Officer, a fallen hero, at the World Trade Center, September 11, 2001. Funeral service, 10AM Thursday, February 14, at Conway Funeral Home, 82-19 Northern Blvd., Jackson Heights. Interment Calverton National Cemetery.

Not sure what to say?

Get email updates for this page

Posting Guidelines|FAQ

To the family of Officer James Wendell Parham, On the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, I had the profound honor of participating in a memorial stair climb in remembrance of those we lost. I was truly humbled to carry the memory of your son, your husband, your father, your brother, and your uncle with me as I ascended 110 flights of stairs. As I climbed, countless emotions flooded my heart-grief, pride, respect, and determination-all of which fueled my resolve to complete the journey. Those...

Sean Fryt

August 01, 2025 | Other

My real life hero!! Much love rest in peace. I love you uncle .

September 12, 2023

Never forgotten. Your life is celebrated today. May the joy you brought to others during your years on earth, provide peace and comfort. Rest in peace

September 11, 2023 | FL

Still haven't had it in me to visit ground zero but I Will never forget you cuz. Continue to watch over our Fam the same way you watched over the city. Rest Easy.

Dale Winfree Jr

November 02, 2021 | Family

Cincere Briggs

September 15, 2021 | Brooklyn, NY | Family

To my family. As this time of year comes around everyone takes pause to honor our hero. Truth is James (Winnie) should be remembered all year round for the loving caring kind gentle man he was. From my memories he loved his family, was always happy. He truly loved his wife and daughter. You could just see it in his eyes. He has a loving family, brothers, nieces, nephew,sisters aunts, uncles and many friends who all love and remember him. Take care family. Always comfort one another. Much...

Doreen Sikes

September 14, 2021 | Clearwater, FL | Family

Words could never express how much I miss and love you. I have many cousins but as I entered into my adult life I was close to you. You helped me through so much. I cant believe its been twenty years. Twenty years, seems like yesterday. Well I just wanted to stop by and give my love. Give my son and granny a hug for me. Kiss your mom on the cheek for me. She likes my kisses. Give all the rest of our family up in heaven my love. I love you cousin. Always and Forever.
-Nikki

Nicole Hoo

September 13, 2021 | Killeen, TX | Family

May he rest peacefully...

October 25, 2019

Bryan Weaver

September 12, 2018 | Temecula, CA

James W. Parham

About

Obituary

Guest Book