James Lewis "Jimmy" Parr

1950 - 2023

James Lewis Parr (Jimmy), age 72, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2023 with his wife holding his hand.

He was born in Charlottesville, Virginia on March 26, 1950, to James Lewis Parr Sr. and Elizabeth Easton Parr. He was a proud "Big Hill" Belmont boy and as a child he enjoyed riding his bike through the streets of Belmont and riding to downtown Charlottesville. He also spent countless days playing basketball and games at Belmont Park.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Lewis and Clara Parr and Lenwood and Ruby Easton; and his nephew, Jeremy Christian Parr. He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clarence and Gloria Rickard, who loved and treated him as their son.

A loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 54 years, Ann Rickard Parr; his beloved daughter, Stephanie and her husband Mark; and his beloved granddaughter, Megan (who affectionately called him "Buddy") and her husband Mike; his brother, Steve and his wife Annie and their children, Rebekah, Jonathan, Sarah, and Micah and their families.

Having been diagnosed with a rare kidney disease at the age of eighteen months, through determination and willpower and not knowing the phrase "I can't," he excelled in many areas. He played little league football, baseball, taught himself to play drums and formed a band, "The Roadrunners" in his teens. He played rec league softball, basketball and beach volleyball.

He was a graduate of Albemarle High School, lettering in basketball and cross-country track. He attended Ferrum College where he played basketball. He also attended UVA and PVCC.

He was a sporting goods salesman for over 40 years, selling to local schools, surrounding counties, as well as to Fork Union Military Academy and UVA. He was well respected for his honesty and trustworthiness, creating lifelong friendships. He was the owner of his own silk screen printing operation, J.P. Graphics.

He was a member of the Falcon Club, having served three terms as President and 14 consecutive years as head of the Falcon Club sports banquet, their biggest yearly event.

Despite his kidney disease, he acquired the rank of fifth degree black belt in Kempo.

A thirst for knowledge, he was self-taught in astrology, archery and was a history buff. He could talk to anyone about anything.

Jimmy will always be remembered for all of his accomplishments, but remembered especially for his love for his family. His devotion to his wife, daughter and granddaughter will always be a treasured memory.

He once gave his wife a card that read, "God never meant for us to face the tough times alone, that's why he gave us each other."

A memorial service will be held in the spring (his favorite season).