James Parks

James Parks, 79, died peacefully in Tampa on December 23, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents James Marvin and O.Z. Parks and his late wife, Beverly Parks. His survivors include his beloved wife, Eileen; step-daughter, Andrea; step-son-in-law, Pete; step-grandchildren, Ethan and Emory. Jim was born in Savannah, GA and later moved to Columbia, NC. At the age of 9, Jim began his passion for playing golf. At the tender age of 13 he won the Teen Age Clinic at the Columbia Country Club followed by his second win at 18 at the S.C.G.T Kiwanis Golf Tournament. His golf skills awarded him a golf scholarship at the University of Florida where he graduated with a Bachelor of Design Degree. Throughout his lifetime Jim continued winning numerous golf tournaments and eventually became a member of Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club. He pursued his career as an architect and interior designer where his career began at Paul T. Ward, Inc. Later becoming a partner at Dean, Redman, and Parks. Years later he established his own firm, J. Parks, Inc until retirement. Besides a good round of golf, he enjoyed traveling, especially Barcelona, the fine arts, and his favorite food that of beanie weenies. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Stay in Step Spinal Cord Injury Recover Center, 10500 University Center Drive, Suite 130, Tampa, 33612. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held, January 17 at Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club from 5:00pm-7:30pm.