James Lewis Parsons

James Lewis Parsons, M.D., "Jim" passed peacefully April 5, 2012, at the age of 83, in Tucson. Survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Carolyn; son, Jim (Terri); granddaughter, Jessica Laos; great-grandson, Trent Chollar; sister, Carra (Ray) Harwell; in-laws, Norma Geise, Herman Willms, Joanne (Tom) Senkerik and four nieces and six nephews. Preceded in death by daughter, Julie Ann Parsons and parents, James Donaldson and Ruth Grove Parsons. The family thanks Dr. Neil (Tad) Clements for his many years of excellent care. Jim was born in Gunnison, Colorado, and attended Montrose High School. He received his bachelor's degree from Western State College and his medical degree from the University of Colorado. He served two years in the U.S. Navy as Lieut. Cmdr., and then completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the V.A. Hospital in Denver. He and Carolyn moved to Tucson in 1961 to raise their family and start his medical career. He retired from private practice 35 years later. He was a member of several medical societies, notably Pima County Medical Society (President 1975; Physician of the Year 1991); National Society of Clinical Rheumatology (Past President); Medical Society of the United States and Mexico (President 1978). He served as President to Southwest Clinic and Research Institute for many years. In his free time, Jim enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fly-fishing. He had a real thirst for knowledge, was an avid reader, loved to travel and explore different cultures. He was a truly talented watercolorist, especially when it came to capturing the beauty of the Southwest that he so loved. A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of the Foothills, 5102 N. Craycroft Rd., Tucson, AZ 85718–6343, with reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall. Contributions in memory of James L. Parsons may be made to Lutheran Church of the Foothills - memo: Memorial Garden Project. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.