Mr. James Miller Parks' Obituary
James Miller “Jim” Parks, 97 years old, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle passed away peacefully on January 10, 2023. Jim was born on June 20, 1925, in Forreston, TX, and was preceded in death by his parents, Milo and Rosa Parks, 6 brothers and 1 sister, and his soulmate and wife of 63 years, Lanelle Gresham Parks.
At the time of graduating from Crozier Technical High School, Dallas, TX in 1944 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during WW2. During his service, he piloted such notable bombers as the North American B-25 Mitchell and the B-29 Superfortress . Upon his honorable discharge after the war, Jim attended Southern Methodist University, and subsequently started a home construction business in Irving, TX in 1947 whereas within the first 20 years constructed over 1000 homes and apartments. He was actively involved in the community serving on numerous civic and church boards including serving 2 terms on the Irving City Council, the Kiwanis Club, Irving Adult Softball Association (he played himself up into his eighties), The Disciples Foundation of Dallas and as an Elder at The First Christian Church of Irving. Jim had a love of people and his community and had a passion for serving where there was a need.
He married the love of his life, Nora Lanelle Gresham, on December 10, 1949 and started a family and spent the next 52 years loving their ever-growing family and their life together in Irving. In 2001, Jim and Lanelle retired and moved to Lindale, TX where he once again was active in the community joining the Lindale Rotary Club where he served a term as president, and frequently hosted neighborhood “Toddy Parties” for his beloved neighbors.
Jim is survived by his three children, Pam Bennett and husband Skip, of Sachse, TX, Jeffrey Parks of The Woodlands, TX and Leslie Burkes and husband Wayne, of Apex, NC; also survived by 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be held at Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral Home, 206 W. South Street, Lindale, TX on Thursday January 19 from 6 to 8pm. Celebration of Life Service will be held at Restland Funeral Home, Abbey Chapel, 13005 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX on Saturday, January 21 at 2:00pm with burial to follow.
Pallbearers will be Benjamin Parks, Dr. Jacob Horton, J. D Bennett, Staff Sargent Peter Burkes, Staff Sargent Andrew Burkes and Clint Burkes.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Lindale Public Library.
Special mention to our “Angels Without Wings”, Fatima Poff, Anna Richardson and Felicia Smith for their loving and tireless care of Jim in these the last years and days of his life; also, to the selfless dedicated caregivers at Wesley House Assisted Living. You were all such an incredible blessing for Jim, and Jim’s family and friends honor you all.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?