James Edward Parker

James Edward (Billy) Parker was born on September 26, 1934 in Blytheville, Arkansas to the union of Johnnie B. and Beatrice (Dunlap) Parker. The family eventually moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. James graduated from Lincoln High School in 1952. James went to work for American Motors Corporation (AMC) Milwaukee after graduation. . While at AMC, James attained a certificate in Supervision from business school. He was soon promoted from foreman to supervisor. He transferred to Jeep Corporation (formerly AMC) in Toledo, Ohio in 1978 as a Superintendent of the Body Shop. He retired in 1989. James was called out of retirement by Chrysler Corporation (formerly Jeep Co.) He became an international consultant, guiding the production of Jeeps in China, Egypt, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. James returned to school during his retirement and became a licensed real estate agent. He was united in holy matrimony to Jearleana (Jordan). They celebrated a half of a century together. Jearleana (Jeri) was truly his “life partner”. She was his fishing buddy, traveling companion, real estate partner and lifetime caregiver. James accepted Christ at an early age. He joined Siloah Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1967 where he was elected an elder and was the first black trained lay evangelist for the Wisconsin Synod Lutheran Church. He joined Zion Lutheran Church in 1978, after transferring to Toledo, where he served as an elder, a member of the Board of Finance, and served several years on the Michigan District Mission Board. After his retirement James and Jeri moved to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas where they attended Living Waters Lutheran Church. Upon returning to Toledo in 2004, James joined Hosanna Lutheran Church where he was a faithful member until his death. James diligently served in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, as he served as the vice president of several WELS congregations. James’ many altruistic endeavors included being a: Boy Scout leader, grade school basketball coach, junior achievement advisor, and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie B. Parker, Beatrice and Johnny Williams; one sister, Florteen Bruce; and two children, Lynnette Parker and Anthony Johnson; one son- in- law, Jeffery Rhodes. He leaves to cherish his legacy of love, his loving wife, Jearleana; his brothers John (Zenobia), Nathan, and Leon (Jannett) Williams; his sister, Vonette Washington; his children (Billy’s kids) daughters, Carolyn Parker, Patricia Parker, and Dawn Rhodes; sons, Ricky, Michael, and James Christopher,(C’Shalla) Parker; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Johnson; grandchildren, Michael and Kevin Diaz; Amara Parker; Anthony Jr., Damean, Cassidine (Shameka), and Sparkle Johnson; Ricky Jr., Michael, and Richelle Parker; Jordan, Taylor, Morgan, and Jeffery Rhodes II; C’Shareese, Christa, and Cheyann Parker; and 13 great-grandchildren; god daughters, LaVette and Lisa Daniels, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. Billy encouraged his kids to be educated, independent and strong of heart. He taught them the importance of loving God and loving family. His life has been their example. Friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S Reynolds Rd, on Thursday May 24, 2012 where the wake will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Friday May 25th at 9:30 am at Zion Lutheran Church, 3360 Nebraska Ave, Pastor Scott Mosher officiating. Interment will follow at Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be given to Hosanna Lutheran Church of Toledo, Ohio and Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

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James Edward Parker

September 26, 1934 - May 20, 2012