WENDELL - John James "Jim" Parish, 86, passed away April 27, 2009, after a period of declining health. Jim was born in the Panama Canal Zone to James Hall and Ruth Whitley Parish. He graduated from Herbert Hoover High School in San Diego, Calif., attended Severn Prep School in Severna Park, Md., and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was a member of Chi Phi Fraternity. Retired Navy Lt. Commander Parish received his commission at Northwestern University in Chicago in 1942. Jim served honorably in the U.S. Navy for 22 years. He served in World War II, the Korean War, the Cuban Quarantine, served aboard aircraft carriers, cruisers and was commander of a squadron of minesweepers. After retirement, he and his family moved to Wendell, and Jim joined his brother and father at Wendell Furniture Co. for more than 40 years. Funeral services will be held at Wendell Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, on Thursday, April 30, 2009, at 2 p.m. Interment will be at Greenmount Cemetery in Wendell immediately following the service. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Martha Greene Parish; son, James Riley Parish and wife Lynda of Fayetteville; daughter, Marty Parish Greer and husband Walter of Wendell; three granddaughters, Katharine Parish Woolsey and husband Capt. Matt Woolsey of Enterprise, Ala., Summer Louise Greer of Raleigh and Megan Parish Greer of Raleigh; and one great-grandchild, Grace Patterson Woolsey of Enterprise, Ala. He is survived by his brother, William Walter Parish and wife Aileen and was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Parish Daniel. Jim was a member of Wendell Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. The church has been an integral part of the Parish family for many years. He served as an elder and trustee and in many other capacities. His wisdom and measured intelligence in matters financial were highly valued by those who knew him. The family requests that memorials be made to the Living Endowment Fund at Wendell Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, 427 Mattox St., Wendell, NC 27591.Visitation will be tonight from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Strickland Funeral Home, 211 W. Third St., Wendell.
Contributor: Eddie E Parish (47442645)