James Dale “Jim” Parsons, age 78 years, a resident of Parsons, WV, departed this life early Monday morning, July 15, 2024 at Elkins Rehabilitation & Care Center. He had been in declining health for the past several years.
He was born May 4, 1946 at Parsons, WV, the youngest son of the late Junior W. Parsons and Ruth E. Hedrick Parsons Rizer who preceded him in death. On April 25, 1967 he was married to the former Bonnie Jeanne Shiflet in Basel, Switzerland who survives. They celebrated fifty-seven years of marriage. Also surviving are three daughters, Sherry Parsons Ramsey of Morgantown, WV, Donna Parsons Hardy and husband Jeff of Hurricane, WV and Brenda Ruth Parsons Overstreet and husband Dwight of Morgantown, WV; six grandchildren, Haley Ramsey Johnson and husband Candon of Morgantown, WV, Jayden Ramsey of Morgantown, WV, Codi Hardy of Barboursville, WV, Christian Hardy of Hurricane, WV, Reese and Riley Overstreet of Morgantown, WV; one brother, Roger Lynn (Joe) Parsons and wife Alice of Parsons, WV; sister-in-law Yvonne Parsons of Parsons, WV; brothers-in-law, Robert Shiflet and wife Debra of Littleton, CO and Jeffrey Shiflet and wife Cindy of Bristow, VA; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ernest Lee Parsons and wife Peggy and Jerry Glenn Parsons; and son-in-law, Terry Ramsey.
Jim was a graduate of Parsons High School with the class of 1964 of which he was well known for his athletic ability in football, basketball and baseball. He enjoyed keeping in touch with his classmates and attending class reunions over the years. Upon graduation he served the United States Army in Mannheim, Germany for two years and played on an Army brigade baseball team. Upon returning home he worked for Dorman Mills, Kingsford Charcoal, Parsons City Police, Hinchcliff Lumber Company and retired from Elkins Iron and Metal where he was an office manager. Jim volunteered with little league baseball and football. He regularly umpired games as well as played on both slow pitch and fast pitch men’s softball teams. For several decades he was a WVU Football season ticket holder. He was also a fan of the Pirates and Steelers. One of his favorite pastimes was watching Tucker County High School sports. He also enjoyed attending the WV High School State Basketball Tournament yearly. Jim loved spending time with his family and long time friends. Those who knew him, knew how generous he was with his time and resources for his friends, family and those in need. Jim was a true animal lover and had many pets during his lifetime. He enjoyed car rides with his wife and dog, Buddy, who preceded him in death. He was an active member of the Parsons Nazarene Church. Following retirement he spent his time doing yard work, relaxing in his pavilion, collecting brass and caring for a feral cat colony near his home.
Jim was passionate about animals. In lieu of flowers the family strongly encourages donations to the Tucker County Animal Shelter. They helped trap, spay/neuter and provide health care for over 20 cats and kittens when Jim could no longer care for the feral colony due to his illness. Below is a link to donate or you can drop off cat food to the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home on Saturday, July 20, 2024 from 11:00am – 1:00pm. https://tuckercountyanimalshelter.com/
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Elkins Rehabilitation & Care Center and Mountain Memories for their tender loving care.
The family will receive friends at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Parsons on Saturday, July 20, 2024 from 11:00AM to 1:00PM. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 1:00PM. Pastor Steve Morrow will officiate and interment will follow at the Bethel Cemetery at Holly Meadows where full military honors will be accorded by members of the WV Army National Guard Honor Guard Program, the Tucker County Veterans Association and the Tygarts Valley Post # 3647, Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for James Dale “Jim” Parsons. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com
