James Parris Sr.

James (Jim) Michael Parris Sr., 75, of Columbus, formerly of Thornville/Buckeye Lake and Dublin, Ohio, peacefully passed away on December 27, 2019, after a long and brave battle with cancer.

Jim was born in Philadelphia, PA, on June 22, 1944, to Rose Marie Kane and Roland Parris, Sr. He is preceded in death by his wife Judy Parris on July 31, 2005, and is survived by his children James Jr. of Columbus, and Janine (Parris) and Roger Ubbi of Snohomish, WA, brother Roland Parris Jr. and sister-in-law Irene Parris of Vero Beach, Florida, and two nephews Adrian and Tim Parris and their families.

Jim graduated from Abbington H.S. in 1962, and The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) in 1965 (BSC) and 1967 (MBA). He was a proud Nittany Lion and member of the Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. On June 11, 1966, he married Judith (Judy) Kromer of Lehighton, PA.

Over the years, Jim worked for several different companies, including Bethlehem Steel for 25 years, Merck Medco, Dublin City Schools and Honda of America.

In addition to his civilian life, he was a very proud member of the military serving on both active duty and as a member of the U.S. Army  Reserve (USAR) for over 25 years. In 1967, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and attended the Quartermaster Officer Basic Course at Fort Lee, VA. His follow-up assignment was to Worms, Germany, where he served as Platoon Leader and Supply Staff Officer.  Upon completion of his overseas tour, Jim transferred to the Reserve Components where he completed his service in a myriad of assignments culminating with his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1993 as part of the 83rd Army Reserve Command (ARCOM).  As a civilian, Jim continued his support of the military through his membership in the Reserve Officers Association (ROA) and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).  As recently as 2008, Jim served as 2nd Vice President of the Central Ohio Chapter of MOAA.  Jim was both proud to serve and support his country throughout his life.

Two memorial services to honor Jim are being planned for the coming months at the Dayton (OH) National Cemetery with military funeral honors and urn internment, and in Lehighton, PA. Please check https://www.facebook.com/janine.parris for specific times and dates for the services.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Jim to The Fisher House (Dayton) (fisherhouse.org), one of his favorite charities, a place for military families to stay when their loved ones are in the hospital.