My grandfather passed away holding my hand on Sunday, October 12, 2008. He led a very full life and had a lot of memories to share before he passed. I know he is in a better place and not in pain, but it isn't making losing him any easier.
As the eldest grandchild I had the honor of writing my grandfather's obituary. I don't know how much of it will actually run in the paper because it is quite lengthy (I tend to wax long... as you know...). So I'm putting it here as well... because one day my nieces and nephews will want to remember his life too.
We love you Papa. You will always be my first Jim and my favorite Papa.
(1934-2008)
Jimmie Ray Parnell was born in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma on February 20, 1934. He passed from our mortal world in his home surrounded by family on October 12, 2008.
Jimmie graduated from Broken Arrow High School in 1952. After graduation, Jimmie enlisted in the United States Navy where he served for four years aboard the USS Wasp as a radio tech.
Jimmie met and married his wife, Juanita, in Sunland, California. Jimmie and Juanita were married for fifty-one years and together had two children. Jimmie moved his family to Bakersfield in 1965 when he gained employment as a police officer with the Bakersfield Police Department. While employed with the BPD Jimmie worked diligently on earning his Associates of Arts degree from Bakersfield College in Criminal Justice. Jimmie retired from the BPD in 1971 after sustaining an injury in the line of duty.
Jimmie was a very devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was very active with his children in both the Greenfield Baseball Association (G.B.A.) and Future Farmers of America (F.F.A.) programs.
Jimmie is preceded in death by his son, Jimmie Ray Parnell, Jr., his mother and father, Ross and Birdie Parnell, his brothers, Herschel Parnell and R.G. Parnell, and his sisters, Wilma Coplen and Maxine Heath.
He is survived by his loving wife, Juanita, and daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Dallas Warren of Wyoming; granddaughter, Tara Ann Barber of Wyoming; grandson, Ted Barber of Utah; granddaughter, Tosha Barber of Oklahoma; grandson, Kidd Ray Warren Wyoming; great-granddaughter, Kindra Lynn Barber, and great-grandson, Ted James Barber of Utah; brothers, Danny Parnell and Dale Parnell; sister Sherrie (Parnell) Crothers; several brothers and sister-in-laws, many nieces and nephews, and even more friends.
Jimmie was a member of the VFW Post 97 and the American Legion 26. Jimmie never met a stranger and was a very goodhearted and caring person.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
Services will be held Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church at 9915 Ramos Avenue, Bakersfield, California 93307.
Papa, we know you loved all of us dearly and we all loved you and will miss you. God saw you getting tired, a cure not meant to be, so He put his arms around you, and whispered… “Come with Me.”
6 comments:
So sorry for your loss. He sounded like an incredible man, much my grandfather that passed a little over a year ago. Please know i am thinking of you and your family!
Tara, I'm so sorry for your loss. You've been through so much this year! I'm glad that you get to be with your family during this time. You're in my prayers. Families are forever.
Tara. . . . . . once again, words fail. I'm sure it was a comfort for him that you were by his side. (((hugs)))
Sounds like he lead a great life, so sorry to hear about your loss. My grampa died in March, and it isn't easy. Hang in there, girl.
So sorry for your loss, Tara. I'll bet that your Jim and your grandpa Jim are somewhere together having a laugh and sharing some good stories. Take care... I am thinking of you.
Thanks everyone - I have no doubt either that they're up there sharing a beer and swapping stories about my clustiness... that's the way they both are.
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