John Jay Parkinson

John Jay Parkinson IV passed away peacefully at age 84 on September 10, 2018 surrounded by family. John was born in Chicago, IL to John (Jack) J. Parkinson III and Florence Elizabeth Ross. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to the Seattle area. John had several unique jobs growing up including shucking oysters at Bennin's Resort and repairing canvas on Washington State Ferries. He's a graduate of Bainbridge HS. John served in the navy reserve until he joined the Army. He served as a Captain during the Korean War. While attending the UW, he continued in the Army reserve. At the UW, he met the love of his life Merilyn J. Basich. After earning a BA in Business Administration, he took a sales job at US Steel (~20 years). This led to his nick name "Big Steel". Later he worked for a variety of companies eventually ending a home at Multifab, Inc. where he remained working until his final day.

After living in the High Woodlands community for 51 years and raising his children there, many neighbors became lifelong friends. Family and friends will always remember him as loving to sing (off key) & dance, the starter at swim meets, the Scout Master of Troop 579, and the master camper on Girl Scout trips. John loved nature and took every opportunity to be outdoors. From camping & skiing, to clam digging on Puget Sound, to body sur ng at Ocean Shores & sun worshiping at Lake Chelan, he loved it all. In his golden years, he enjoyed vacationing on cruise ships & BBQ'n salmon while sipping on a glass of wine in his picturesque backyard, John always appreciated the life he was given.

John is survived by his four children. John Jay (Elaine) Parkinson V, grand- daughter Irelan, Jennifer ( D a v i d ) Parkinson-Skorupa, granddaughter Talia & great- granddaughter Serena, Leslie (Imed) Hmila, grandsons Bilel & Omar, Chris Parkinson.

John will be buried at Tahoma National Cemetery on October 26th. We are having a "Celebration of John's Life" on Saturday, October 27th between 1:00-4:00 pm at Lake Washington Christian Church, 343 15th Ave, Kirkland WA 98033 In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Washington's National Park Fund or Boy Scouts of America, Chief Seattle Council. Sign John's online

Guest Book at www.Legacy.com