James Allen Parker, 87, passed away Nov. 10, 2025, at Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla.
He was born June 6, 1938, son of the late Floyd E. Parker and Mildred (Honse) Parker on a farm in northern Phelps County.
Farming and his love for livestock began at a very early age and he faithfully lived and worked his grandparents’ farms for his entire life.
Jim graduated from Rolla High School in 1956.
He realized that farming alone would not support a family and so he began working at the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1958, first in a temporary position, but soon becoming the towerman at Vichy lookout tower. Jim would continue his employment with MDC for a lifetime, filling various positions as firefighter, forestry supervisor, heavy equipment operator and trainer, among many other roles. Building and dismantling fire towers was to became a much loved part of his job and he eventually was involved in the building of more than 18 lookout towers across the state. Jim’s knowledge of and history with lookout towers was something that never faded. He retired from MDC after 50 years, but he never left too far behind him the wonderful friends and memories that he had made.
In addition to working at MDC, Jim carried on the legacy of farming the land that had belonged to both of his grandfathers. His Angus cattle were his pride and joy. The only thing that brought him more joy was his family.
Jim was a member at Spring Creek Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by parents, Floyd and Mildred; uncles, Frank Parker and Elmer Honse; and aunt Bertha (Honse) Kurtz.
Jim is survived by loving wife Judy; dear sister, Anne Blackwell; dear sister-in-law, Carol and husband Ed Carmack; children, Teresa Brenden and husband Paul, Tom Parker and wife Jeannie, Jenni Aaron and husband Bill, Mary Dunn and husband Ed, Wes Parker and wife Kim and Sam Parker and wife Shanna, all of Rolla; nephews, Sheridan and Galen Blackwell; nieces, Denita Williams and DeAnna Grover; grandchildren, Hannah Wuest and husband Alan, Ross Parker and wife Katia, Austin Aaron and wife Macy, Clayton Parker, Nathan Aaron, Jessica Wisdom and husband Strawn, Nora Potrafka and husband Nate, Emma Watkins and husband Joe, Isaiah, Mara, Parker, Bailey, Sarah, Shelby, Addison and Levi Parker, Heidi Dunn and finance Caleb Gant, Eva, Logan and Elsie Dunn; and great-grandchildren, Sophia, Nolyn, Vivi, Josiah, Milly, Lyman, Lindy, Shepherd, Augustine and Samuel.
Funeral services were held Friday, Nov.14, at Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, with Pastors Matt Peery and Sam Parker officiating.
Interment was at the Rolla Cemetery with Pastor Chuck Cook officiating. Pallbearers were grandsons, Ross, Austin, Clayton, Nathan, Isaiah, Logan, and Levi. Honorary pallbearers were Sheridan Blackwell, Ed Carmack, Duane Grisham, Tom Pasley, Kyle Malone, Ellis “Bud” Callahan and Charlie Younger. Music was provided by Marvin Dablemont and Jim’s granddaughters.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Spring Creek Baptist Church.
Arrangements entrusted to Null and Son Funeral Home of Rolla.
Online condolences may be offered at www.nullandsonfuneralhome.com.
