James Allen Parker

James Allen Parker, son of the late Floyd E. Parker and Mildred (Honse) Parker passed away November 10, 2025 at Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla, Mo.
Jim was born June 6, 1938, on a farm in northern Phelps County. Farming and his love for livestock began at a very early age and he faithfully lived and worked his grandparents' farms for his entire life. He graduated from Rolla High School in 1956 and realized that farming alone would not support a family. So he began working at the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1958, first in a temporary position, but soon becoming the towerman at Vichy lookout tower. He would continue his employment with MDC for a lifetime, filling various positions as firefighter, forestry supervisor, heavy equipment operator and trainer, among many other rolls. Building and dismantaling fire towers was to became a much loved part of his job and he eventually was involved in the building of more than 18 lookout towers across the state. His knowledge of and history with lookout towers was something that never faded. He retired from MDC after 50 years, but he never left too far behind him the wonderful friends and memories that he had made.
In addition to working at MDC, he carried on the legacy of farming the land that had belonged to both of his grandfathers. His Angus cattle were his pride and joy. The only thing that brought him more joy was his family. Jim was a member at Spring Creek Baptist Church.
In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by his uncles Frank Parker and Elmer Honse, and by his aunt Bertha (Honse) Kurtz.
He is survived by his loving wife Judy (Thomas) Parker, his dear sister Anne Blackwell as well as a dear sister-in-law, Carol and husband Ed Carmack.
He is lovingly remembered by his children: Teresa Brenden and husband Paul; Tom Parker and wife Jeannie; Jenni Aaron and husband Bill; Mary Dunn and husband Ed; Wes Parker and wife Kim; Sam Parker and wife Shanna, all of Rolla, Mo. Also two nephews, Sheridan and Galen Blackwell; and two nieces Denita Williams and DeAnna Grover.
He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, Hannah (Alan) Wuest, Ross (Katia) Parker, Austin (Macy) Aaron, Clayton Parker, Nathan Aaron, Jessica (Strawn) Wisdom, Nora (Nate) Potrafka, Emma (Joe) Watkins, Isaiah Parker, Heidi Dunn and finance Caleb Gant, Mara Parker, Bailey Parker, Sarah Parker, Eva Dunn, Shelby Parker, Logan Dunn, Addison Parker, Elsie Dunn, and Levi Parker. Great grandchildren are Sophia, Nolyn, Vivi, Josiah, Milly, Lyman, Lindy, Shepherd, Augustine and Samuel.
Funeral services for Jim Parker will be held at Null and Son Funeral Home, Rolla, on Friday November 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Pallbearers will be grandsons Ross, Austin, Clayton, Nathan, Isaiah, Logan, and Levi. Honorary pallbearers are: Sheridan Blackwell, Ed Carmack, Duane Grisham, Tom Pasley, Kyle Malone, Ellis "Bud" Callahan and Charlie Younger. Officiating the services will be Pastors Matt Peery and Sam Parker. At the graveside, Pastor Chuck Cook will preside. Music will be provided by Marvin Dablemont and Jim's granddaughters.
Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at the Rolla Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Spring Creek Baptist Church.