Rev. Dr. James Floyd Parker

Rev. Dr. James Floyd Parker, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on November 1, 2024, just one day shy of his 78th birthday in Olympia, WA. “Jim” was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on November 2, 1946, to Ivan and Elnor (Coles) Parker. His parents and older brother, William Walter Parker, pre-deceased him. Jim is survived by his wife, Ines, and a blended family of six children: Ryan (Amy) Parker, Brent (Cary) Parker, Scott Parker, Dianne (Derrone) Bowdary, Denise (Peter) Schienke, and Desiree (Desmond) Baptist. He doted on twelve grandchildren: Madison, Noah, Olivia, Maya, Greyson, and Mason Parker; Jasmine, Nicholas, and Ethan Schienke; Isis, Zahra, and Nkosi Castillo; and great-grandson William Petersen. He is also survived by his identical twin brother, Gerald (Holly Craig) Parker, sister-in-law Bev Parker, niece Karen (Laurence Marks) Parker, nephew Andrew Parker, and three first cousins, Elaine Piper, John Bunnell, and Glen Blystone.

The family had a deep connection to Michigan. They settled in the Ann Arbor area in 1834 at their farm on Dixboro Road. James Parker (b 1809) begat William Eli Parker (b 1844), who begat Floyd William Parker (b 1886), who begat Jim’s father Ivan William Parker (b 1913). Jim was proud of his pioneer roots and carried forward his family’s legacy of service and commitment to community.

He grew up attending Burns Park Elementary, Tappan Middle, and Pioneer High School. A proud University of Michigan alumnus, Jim earned his Bachelors in Business Administration in 1968, graduating first in his class. He was involved in numerous campus activities, including serving as president of the United Methodist Wesley Foundation. He and family members hold thirty degrees from the University of Michigan. He went on to receive a Master of Divinity from Garrett Seminary and an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Adrian College.

Jim’s professional life was rooted in service and faith. Ordained as a United Methodist minister in 1969, he spent 23 years with the United Methodist General Board of Pensions in Illinois, and then served 8 years with the Washington State Investment Board. In both roles, he was known for his leadership and dedication to his employees and retirees.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim was passionate about sports, music, and community involvement. He was a diehard University of Michigan football fan and enjoyed playing golf and coaching his sons in soccer. He loved playing music and performing in local theater, including singing at Carnegie Hall with the Olympia Choral Society. Jim was also active in the Olympia community, volunteering with the Salvation Army and serving on various cultural and diversity boards.

Jim will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith. His legacy of service, love for family, and joy for life will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A visitation for James will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. A funeral service will occur Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Dixboro United Methodist Church, 5221 Church Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105. A burial will occur Monday, November 18, 2024 at 9:00 AM at Oak Grove Cemetery (Dixboro).