James "Jim" Parrish

James Clyde Parrish, 68, of Charlevoix, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 10, 2024 with his wife and two sons at his side.  He was born on November 8, 1955, in Norfolk, VA, the son of Thomas and Bertha Mae (Brown) Parrish.

As a boy, Jim moved around to many different areas as his dad was relocated in the Coast Guard.   Eventually, they settled in White Bluff, TN, which Jim considered his childhood ‘home’.  After high school, he attended college for a short time where he also played basketball.  In 1979, he moved to Charlevoix where he would raise his family and work as a mechanic at the cement plant until retirement.

Jim loved basketball and he shared his love for the game as a coach for girls’ teams of many different ages.  He also instilled a love for the game in his own children, all of whom played in college.   He was always thinking of ways he could help others in the community, and he was known by many names; Big Jim, Jake, coach, Papa Santa, and Papa Bear to name a few.  One of his favorite ways to do so was driving around the neighborhood on his John Deere tractor to snow-blow his neighbor’s driveways.  Jim also enjoyed writing, and he kept a detailed diary of each day for many years.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Faye Parrish; two sons, Scott (Amanda) Parrish of Sarasota and Thomas (Natalie) Parrish of Sarasota; two brothers, Carl (Tammy) Parrish of TN and Paul (Sharon) Parrish of Charlevoix; and six grandchildren, J.T. Greenier, Logan Greenier, Lucas Greenier, Peyton Greenier, Savannah Parrish, and Avery Parrish.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Lisa Parrish; and his brother, Ken Parrish.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at the Charlevoix Community Reformed Church, 109 Elm St., Charlevoix, MI 49720.   Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faye Parrish, c/o Mortensen Funeral Homes, 209 State St., Charlevoix, MI 49720, to help offset the loss of Jim’s income.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com