James Larry PARRISH

1933 - 2021

PARRISH, James "Larry" February 17, 1933 - March 14, 2021 James Larry Parrish was born on February 17, 1933 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to George and Edna Parrish. He passed away on March 14, 2021 in Portland, Ore. Larry was born during the Great Depression. As a teen he worked on a tobacco farm to contribute to his family's livelihood. He joined the US Air Force during the Korean War and served as a medic. Via the GI Bill he was trained in electronics. After working for various TV repair shops in Spokane and Coeur d' Alene, he opened his own shop. He was a longtime Spokane resident. Larry married Donna Jean Tubbs, the love of his life, on May 24, 1980. They celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2020. Just six months ago, Donna passed, and he mourned her daily. Larry loved telling the story about how he and Donna met. He spotted her across a crowded dance floor, but she had so many dance partners, he didn't think he'd get a chance. When she was finally free, he strode across the floor to ask her to dance. Now they are together againand likely dancing! Larry was an avid league bowler who often recounted his triumphant 299 game. He enjoyed playing pooland could still beat most of us handily. He loved telling stories and jokes. His most infamous: In his Kentucky drawl he'd ask, "Do you know how to catch a bear in the wintertime?" Anyone who knew our dad knows the punchline. He eagerly awaited the morning newspaper, kept up with current events and delighted in political discussions. He followed Gonzaga and Western Kentucky U basketball. A family tradition was getting huckleberry ice cream cones from the Park Bench Café in Manito Park. At home he offered Creamsicles and Dixie cup ice cream treats to all guests. Larry cherished his family and often told them he loved them and was proud of them. When COVID restricted visitors, he relied on phone calls and Zoom video chats to connect with his children, grandchildren, friends and Kentucky family. He savored every card and letter. He pored over photo albums and recounted memories of loved ones. His great-nephew Casey Ellis, summed up Larry like this: "He was a huge and positive part of my life and I will miss him dearly." There is a forever hole in our hearts. Larry is survived by sisters Mary Oliver and Anna Pierce of Kentucky, and Dorothy Johnson and Janice Riley of Indiana; children Becky Harmening, Susan Parrish, Judy Nish and Matt Parrish; five grandchildren: Jessica Lahti, Jimbo Cutler, Lindsey Harmening, Katherine Holton and Conor Holton and one great-grandson, Homer Cutler and numerous nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ernie and his beloved wife, Donna. A private graveside service will be held for family at Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake. Larry's family is grateful for the attentive, loving care he received from the medical staff at VA medical centers in Spokane and Vancouver, Wash. and Portland, Ore. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Fisher House Foundation in honor of Larry at https://www.fisherhouse.org