James F. Parker

James F. Parker, 85, died peacefully in his sleep on February 4, 2016, in SarasotaFlorida. A native Floridian, Jim was born to Edwin and Jean Parker on August 28, 1930 and grew up in Punta Gorda, FL. He graduated from CharlotteHigh School, where he played football, basketball and baseball for the Fighting Tarpons. Jim also fondly remembered his days spent as a “soda jerk” at his father Edwin Parker’s Punta Gorda drug store during WWII, as well as building a hunting cabin with his dad. Jim attended the University of Florida and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity until leaving to serve in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant during the Korean War. After completing his military service, Jim returned to the University of Florida, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Jim met his wife Patsy at a dance at the Phi Delta Theta fraternity house in Gainesville. They were married in 1955 and enjoyed a long and happy marriage of 59 years until Patsy passed away in 2014. Jim built a successful career in the paper industry, including 22 years with Union Camp Corporation; retiring at age 58 as President of the Corrugated/Partition Divisions at RockTenn Company. Jim, his family, and close friends spent many happy years fishing, hunting, and enjoying Florida‘s natural landscape at “the cabin”. In addition, Jim was an avid golfer, and was a devoted Florida Gator fan. Survivors include daughter Kimbel Orr and son in law Charles Orr of Tallahassee, Florida; son James F. Parker Jr. and daughter in law Malinda Parker of John's Creek, Georgia; daughter Jan O’Rourke of Venice, Florida; and sister Jean and her husband Morris Fisher of Georgetown, Texas. Jim is also survived by his four grandsons Phillip Orr, Reilly Orr, James Parker III, and Robert Parker and his two granddaughters Olivia Lewis and Jennifer O’Rourke. The family will receive friends at Farley Funeral Home in Venice, Florida on February 13, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. followed by a 12:00 p.m. service at the Farley Funeral Home Chapel. A graveside burial service with military honors will follow at VeniceMemorialGardens. Jim’s memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him. We love you Dad! Visitation Information Date: Saturday, February 13, 2016 Time: 11:30 am - 12:00 pm Service Information Date: Saturday, February 13, 2016 Time: 12:00 pm Farley Funeral Home - Venice Chapel Address: 265 Nokomis Avenue South Venice, FL 34285 941-488-2291 | Map Cemetery Information Date: Saturday, February 13, 2016