James W. Parker
James Wilford Parker, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away at Stamford Hospital on Friday, July 17, 2020. Born in Keene, NH on February 28, 1930, James was the son of the late Arthur and Doris Bean Parker. He was 90 years old at the time of his passing.
Bill, also known as Jim, and Papa, graduated from Keene State in 1952. He served in the Air Force in Alaska, received his MA degree from UConn, and then earned an additional professional degree from the University of Bridgeport. He was an educator for over 33 years. An avid music lover, he sang in choirs all his life, including the First Presbyterian Church choir for over 60 years. He was an active man, hiking, sailing and biking until recently. He loved to read and learn about the way things work and the natural world. Like his dad before him, he was known as "Mr. Fix-it" to his family and friends. He cherished his family and felt very fortunate to have so many involved in his life.
James is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Deborah French Parker; daughters, Joanie Merrell and Karen Parker and their spouses David Merrell and Gretchen Seifert. His five grandchildren, James, Timothy and Andrew Parker, Jaimie Charles and Paul Merrell, their spouses and his 8 great-grandchildren were the joy of his days. His brother, David Parker survives him as well. James was predeceased by his son, James J. Parker.
Funeral services at this time will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.Memorial contributions may be made in James' memory to:
Creative Learning @ FPC,1101 Bedford Street,Stamford, CT 06905
And to: Camp Nokomis Facilities and Maintenance
Sent to Merrimack Valley YMCA – Camping Services Branch,360 Merrimack Street Suite 270,Lawrence, MA 01843
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Stamford Advocate on Jul. 19, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for James Parker

Sponsored by Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory.

5 Entries

Rich Lawson

December 2, 2020

Had Mr. Parker for metal shop @ Dolan Junior HS for three years plus one year as my home room teacher. Was a good guy and teacher; fair yet firm. In ninth grade metal shop he guided me as I fabricated and built a 1800's era cannon. From a piece of brass stock he showed me the workings of a metal lathe and how to set it up and operate it safely and properly. I do not have many lasting memories from junior high school. But I still have the cannon which is displayed in our family room. And I have good memories learning from Mr. Parker. My sincere condolences to Mrs. Parker and family.

Laura Pearsall

August 21, 2020

I am saddened to hear of of Bill’s passing. My condolences to the Parker family. I have such fond memories of Debbie and Bill at Camp Nokomis. I spent 10 summers there and the Parkers were wonderful role models.
My fond memories of Bill whistling .... beautiful whistling while he worked at camp. Bill gave me a love of maps that I have to this day. Studying maps by lantern light at night on canoe trips was my introduction to the love of maps.
Thanks for the memories and the great example you and Debbie were in my life.
❤ Laura

Cricket

August 20, 2020

In the early 1960s I had the pleasure of attending Camp Nokomis -for about 8 years. Jim was the tall, long legged leader who encouraged and pleaded with us to hike up Mount Washington. He was very talented in carpentry, constantly fixing or building cabins. I remember his kindness, knowledge and especially how he whistled as he worked. What a great nurturing gentleman and spirit he was indeed. My condolences to his powerhouse partner Debbie and her family

Cricket

August 20, 2020

In the early 1960s I had the pleasure of attending Camp Nokomis -for about 8 years. Jim was the tall, long legged leader who encouraged us to hike up Mount Washington. He was very talented in carpentry, constantly fixing or building cabins. I remember his kindness, knowledge and especially how he whistled as he worked. What a great nurturing gentleman and spirit he was indeed. My condolences to his powerhouse partner Debbie and her family

Jack Hodson

July 21, 2020

As a student at Dolan Junior High back in the early 60's Mr. Parker attempted to teach me metal working. Though I knew him to be an excellent teacher, I was a terrible student and to this day i am a menace around tools. Sunday I would see him singing in the choir at First Presbyterian and thought it odd that a teacher would have a life outside the classroom. Over the years I had a number of great teacher, whose influence remains with me to this day. Thanks, Mr. Parker for trying your best!

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