Jeffrey Scott Parrack was born on May 12, 1971 in Downey, California to Karen and Jim Parrack. Jeff was 7 months old when he moved to Springfield, Oregon. Jeff’s childhood was full of adventures and being mischievous. He was independent and like to roam around on his big wheel and bike. He had no fear about crossing streets and gave the stink eye right back at the snooty old farts. He knew the rules and his driving rights. Jeff and Kari used to hang their bikes on the monkey bars and ride around. They got a thrill out of the rocking motion and reestablish the word “cool ride”! The 70’s were good to Jeff and Kari. Fantastic Coca Cola commercials, great pile of Christmas toys, and memorable camping trips. Jeff’s teenage years were difficult. He struggled in school with grades, suffered depression, and lacked social skills. Best day was graduating from Thurston High School in 1990 and leaving that behind him. As Jeff left high school behind him, his greatest opportunity to discover life came forward as he chose to serve a mission for the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was called to the Toronto Canada Mission. Jeff learned to overcome his shyness, persecutions and rejection, more importantly Jeff learned to love his brother and sisters. He gained a testimony of the gospel and more importantly drew close to Jesus.
Jeff always had a devotion to Jesus and God. To the point when he was 6 years old he would walk himself to an Assembly of God church a mile from his house. He loved bible stories and the magic tricks ministers would perform. However, Jeff felt something wasn’t always right in some of the teachings. In due time, he participated in missionary lessons from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Jeff’s testimony grew stronger as lessons were learned line by line step by step. Jeff realized he was not a perfect person, understood the power of Christ Atonement, forgiveness, and the power of faith.
After Jeff came back from his mission, he attended community college and fell head over heels with a beautiful blond blue eye girl from U of O University Ward. He hit the jackpot, a beautiful intelligent young woman who brought out feelings of euphoria. Eventually Eileen and Jeff got married. They had three amazing daughters Lindsay, Shelby, and Katie Parrack. He loved them with all his heart but struggle to keep up with the pressures of having a young family. Eventually, his marriage fell apart and heartache ensued. Despite a difficult divorce Jeff has always appreciated the good times with Eileen.
In due time, Jeff had a sweet amazing woman walk into his life. She had a blue eye baby girl with the whitest hair. Together Robi and Laurel knocked him off his feet. Robi and Laurel Ames were a puzzle piece that were missing in his life. Robi introduced Jeff to Portland life and open his eyes to a special place. Having them in his life was like having a sun rise after a long dark night. Unfortunately, in due time, the stress of custody battles took its toll on Jeff and Robi. As a result, they divorced. Jeff has no ill feelings towards Robi and wants nothing more than for her to be happy.
Jeff never remarried and devoted his time to his work and hobbies. Jeff worked as a mortician for 22 years. Being a mortician was tough and hard on family life. However, Jeff discovered how to love his fellow man on a deeper level by way of compassion and empathy. He discovered how to be quick on his feet when things go wrong at the most awkward moments. One of his favorite stories was diving downhill in a hearse that locked up after the engine quit. Jeff said he didn’t know that you can swear, have a come to Jesus moment, and crap your pants all in the same time. He for sure is a believer NOW!
Jeff says that it is impossible to start with a date 1971 and end in 2022 and fill in all the information in between dates. If anything, he wanted you to know in his obituary was not his life outline. Jeff wanted you to know that he loves you. His ex-spouses are good people and sometimes we get lost or make bad choices because of anger or selfishness. He firmly believes Jesus can put a broken pot together and make relationships whole again. There is enough hatred in the world and Jeff doesn’t want it to continue. His daughters Lindsay, Katie, Shelby, and Laurel Ames are his greatest gifts he received in life. Despite his small amount of time spent with them. Those memories outlast any other event that he encountered. Jeff is grateful for their uniqueness. Jeff’s mother is an amazing person and the smartest. Because she devoted her life in being kind to others and put others first always. No doubt she will receive her crown of righteousness and others will see who is truly the queen. Kari and Jeff had a remarkable history by way of adventures when young. Thanks for the laughs and getting me into trouble. You will never meet a more devoted person when comes to saving your life than my sister. Lastly, Jeff would personally like to thank his friends, church family, co workers, and professionals. You brighten his life, enlighten his mind, put up with his quirky ways, and cared. In the end, you made a difference to him He also wanted to extend a special thanks to Dr Jordy Cox, and Dr Richard frame and staff. Having cancer was a fierce battle and you extended my life. Those extra hours are priceless and thank you for being there for me.
Lastly, getting cancer was unexpected. Jeff doesn’t know why it happened or the importants for us to hurt so much. He is not angry about it. We all have a timer when it comes to moving on to a better life. Jeff feels strongly to those who suffer from cancer and their families that you are courageous, you amaze him, and please do not fear. Death is not the end of our journey only the beginning! See you with the biggest smile and wide-open arms on the other side!
He is survived by his mother Karen Parrack, father Jimmy Parrack, sister Kari Blaylock, Daughters Lindsay, Shelby, Katie Parrack. Nephews Tyler and Austin Blaylock. A viewing and Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah, and a memorial service at Springfield 3rd Ward, Springfield, OR.
God bless you all!
FAMILY
Jimmy ParrackFather
Karen ParrackMother
Lindsay ParrackDaughter
Shelby ParrackDaughter
Katie ParrackDaughter
Laurel AmesStepdaughter
Kari BlaylockSister
Tyler BlaylockNephew
Austin BlaylockNephew
He is remembered by many other family members, friends and associates who love and cherish his memory.
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