James David Parham

It is with great sadness and broken hearts that the family of James David Parham announces his passing on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. We have each been blessed by his life of 70 years, and he will forever be remembered as a loving son, a wonderful husband, and an amazing dad.
David loved life and lived it to the fullest. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was the kind of man who always showed up for his family, teammates, friends, and community with unwavering support and genuine kindness.
In his early years, David was part of the "Green Hill gang" and attended Patton School, Canton Middle, and later made his mark at Pisgah High School. As a true tri-athlete, David shone as an all-star on the basketball court, a record-setting hurdler on the track, and an all-conference football standout. His talent and drive earned him a football scholarship to UNC-Chapel Hill, where he proudly became a lifelong Tar Heel. Long after the final whistle, David stayed close with many of his football buddies, often swapping stories about tough practices and unforgettable moments.
After college, David returned to Canton, where he met and married the love of his life, Janice. Together, they created a loving home and raised their two sons, Nicholas and Adam, in the community they held dear. David was an involved, supportive dad with a heads-down, hard-nosed mentality, teaching them and their friends lifelong skills and lessons. A Pisgah Black Bear through and through, he served as president of the PHS Booster Club and stayed active in school events, planning class reunions, always looking forward to catching up, sharing stories, and laughs together.
David and Janice built their dream home at Lake Chatuge, their happy place, where they spent countless days relaxing together as well as hosting big celebrations for birthdays and holidays with family and close friends. David became the master chef, sharing new recipes and his perfected specialties like smoked pork barbecue, wings, buffalo peppers, and fried turkeys. He also loved to teach his techniques and encouraged all to join in to help and enjoy. His love for gardening grew just as strong, with herbs and fresh veggies always overflowing and ready to share. When he wasn't out on the lake, tending his garden, or manning the smoker, you could find him kicked back in his comfy chair, watching a ball game or reading a good book. After retirement, David spent as much time as possible at his happy place, enjoying all of his favorite things and fun times with family and friends. So many memories made, and it's these memories that will get us through these tough days.
David is lovingly remembered by his wife, Janice; his sons, Nicholas and Adam (Katey); and his mother, Betty Jean (Forrest). He is also survived by his sister, Tina (Jon), and brother, Donnie (Cheryl); nieces, Valerie and Tiffany; nephew, Billy (Mia); and great-niece and nephew, Hudson and Boone. Also his grand-dogs, Copper and Chief. David was preceded in death by his father, James Truitt Parham.
A service to celebrate David's life will be held at 3:00PM on Monday, April 21, 2025 in the chapel of Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home from 1:00 until 3:00PM prior to the service. Entombment will follow in The Horizon Mausoleum at Crawford / Ray Memorial Gardens in Clyde.
Memorials may be made in David's memory to the Pisgah High School Boosters Club, 1 Black Bear Drive, Canton, NC 28716, or also honor his passion for gardening by planting something to grow and nurture in remembrance of David.
Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is deeply honored to be caring for the Parham family.