James L. Parsons IV

For me, one thing about JLPivs life stands out above all his other special qualities. Many years ago he met my sister and, as such things go, decided that she was going to be the love of his life. And, as such things go, Jim became the love of her life. Then over the next 50+ years they created a life upon that foundation. What more could a brother wish for a beloved sister than a life built on love?

Hi Judy
I am sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We were in the band together and both played clarinet. As I recall, Jim was quite a bit more skillful than me, and I hadn't realized that he had continued his musical interest in the Marines after graduation.
I lost track of Jim after graduation, and unfortunately don't remember talking with him/you at our 50th reunion which I attended. It sounds like we had interests in common. I also am into 60's rock and have had recent pleasure...

Judy, I am so sad to read this news that your husband of 50 years has died. It was wonderful to see the photos of the recent celebration of your anniversary in such grand style.

Jim was an easy to like kind of a guy. Although I only saw him at SPH class reunions, I enjoyed his easy smile and wit and I liked him a lot because you did!! You were a good match indeed.

May Jim rest in peace and you and your son enjoy all your fondest memories as they tumble out of your heart in...

You and Jim were special to me and Marvin. I am so sorry. I will be in Lexington for my sister's 80th birthday party on Friday. We had many good times together. I hope to see you soon.
Love, Pat.

Jim and I were in several classes together at AI because of being in band. My particular recollection was shop, in which Jim and I had to be placed in a class with boys in the next grade above us, since it was the only way to work around band. I called Jim Snips (from parsnips) and he called me Jumper (from Springer). We weren't too close in band because the clarinets didn't sit close to the tympani (my instrument), but we did all of the concerts, football games, and marches together, and...

On the whispered request from Jaime who was maybe 5 years old at that time, Jay grudgingly left his cocktail, went around to the front of the house and sang the national anthem for the 2 boys who were to play baseball --the All Star game (National League vs American League) in the street. Both boys reportedly held their hats over their stomachs as Jay sang. This must have been sometime in the 70's, in Wilmington.
My sincere condolences t to Judy and Jaime.

Dear Judy and James V,
We are so sorry to hear of cousin Jay's passing. I, for one, will miss his vocabulary on facebook! Jay paved the way proudly for the rest of the James & Edith Parsons' cousins. He will be missed. We send our love and sympathy to you and all our eastern cousins. Love, Peggy & Jon Newberg & family

My favorite memory of Jay goes back to 1975. Jay was captaining the family boat on Chesapeake Bay. My then-5-year-old son MacGregor was enthralled with the whole scene of sun, speed and water, intent on Jay's every move. Jay carefully, but succinctly, explained what he was doing, MacGregor nodding over each bit of information. Then Jay said, "Hey, MacGregor! You want to drive?" MacGregor was beside himself with the joy of it all. He said, "I didn't know boys who aren't six yet COULD...