James Dale Parker

James "Jim" Parker, Sr., 75, died October 3, 2018. James was born October 3, 1943 in South Pittsburg, TN to the late Calvin Edward "Ed" and Vesta Mae (Smith) Parker. Jim moved to the Kalamazoo area as a child and grew up in the east Vine Street neighborhood where he forged many lifelong friendships. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1963. Jim served on the U.S.S. Holland and the U.S.S. Boxer during the Vietnam War as a machinery repairman. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer First Class before his honorable discharge in 1969. Jim valued the opportunity to travel that the Navy afforded him. He expressed particular fondness for his time in Rota, Spain. Jim went on to use the machinist skills he learned in the Navy as a tool & die maker for Graphic Packaging (formerly Brown Company), where he worked for over thirty years.
Jim was an avid sports fan. Though his teams often made themselves hard to love, he considered himself a diehard U of M Wolverines, Detroit Tigers, and Detroit Lions supporter. Jim enjoyed trap shooting and often participated in area tournaments. He also enjoyed league bowling at Continental Lanes. Jim coached girls' softball for the Miss Softball America organization for many years. It was somewhat later in life that he discovered his favorite sport - golf. Jim loved to golf with his buddies and sometimes took golf trips with them. He played weekly on a league each summer right up until his passing.
Jim was united in marriage to Bonnie Deneau in 1963. They celebrated 55 years of marriage this past January. Jim remained devoted to Bonnie even when health issues forced her to move into a nursing care facility. He visited her nearly every day. Jim is survived by Bonnie; their children Christine Nicholson (Michael), Jamie Thielke, and James Jr as well as grandchildren Jenna Ennamany, Whitney Nicholson and Parker Thielke. He is preceded in death by his granddaughter Sarah Ennamany.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to the veterans' charity Section Collection. 100% of Section Collection's donations go to help veterans. To learn more about the Section 1776 organization go to www.section1776.com. Click on the Section Collection tab to donate.
Family will greet friends on Saturday, October 27th, from 10-11 am at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St., where a memorial service will begin at 11 am. Jim's remains will be buried at Fort Custer National Cemetary at a later date. Please contact the family for details if you would like to attend the burial ceremony.