James Arlie Parks, “Jimmy”, at the age of 78, took Jesus by the hand and entered into eternity

on August 3, 2026.

Jimmy was born on July 15, 1948 in Memphis, TN. After graduating from Millington Central High

School, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. When

he returned home, he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Leigh Bowman. In 1975, he

began a dedicated career with the Shelby County Fire Department where he retired in 2003.

Jimmy was always very active in his church. He did everything from driving a church bus to

serving as a deacon. His faith in Jesus was never something he had to announce- it was evident

in the way he lived, served others, and loved his family wholeheartedly. Jimmy lived sacrificially,

always putting the needs of his family and others before his own. He never met a stranger or

missed an opportunity to lend a helping hand. His favorite hobbies were driving his truck,

tractor and mower and doing whatever his family wanted to do. Jimmy was a funny man

without even trying. Even in his final days, he continued to bring laughter to his family.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his brother, William Parks, “Willie”; his father, Sam Parks, Jr; his

mother, Hazel Louise Parks.

Jimmy is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Patricia Leigh Parks; his “sum”, James

Chadwick Parks, Sr (Misty); his grandchildren, Ashleigh Elisabeth Wiley (Daniel), Maci Dean

Cothren (Jared), and James Chadwick Parks, Jr; his great-grandchildren, Carleigh Anne Wiley and

Daniel Eugene Wiley, Jr.

The family will receive friends at Northridge Woodhaven Funeral Home, 6755 Hwy 51 North,

Millington, TN 38053 on Monday, August 10, 2026 at 1 pm (Visitation) / 2 pm (Homegoing

Service) followed by a Graveside Service at Northridge Woodhaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome all charitable donations to be made to Reyburn

Creek Missionary Baptist Church Youth Fund, PO Box 352, Malvern, AR 72104