James A. Parker

James A. Parker, Age 75, of New Philadelphia, died Thursday, November 12, 2015, surrounded by his loved ones; while in the care of Community Hospice House, following complications from open heart surgery.

James was born on October 29, 1940 in his family’s farmhouse in Perry Township to the late Ambrose A. and Della M. (Beckett) Parker.

Following his graduation from Freeport High School in 1958, James began a career at Gradall, and served the company for 37 years prior to his retirement in 2001. When he wasn’t working at Gradall, he could be found working the family farm; and was a longtime supplier of hay to many area horse barns. In his younger years, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years out of the Dennison headquarters.

On September 13, 1963, James married the former Irene E. Rufener, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage until her passing on December 31, 2011. They were members of Dover Church of Christ.

Together, they raised a daughter and a son; Judy Parker and Steve (Renee) Parker all of New Philadelphia. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Danielle Korintus of Dayton, Emily Rosenberry of New Philadelphia, and Seth and Luke Parker of New Philadelphia; a sister, Maryann Blackwell of New Philadelphia; a brother, Willis Parker of Dennison; and his special friend, Irene Nichols of Newcomerstown.

In addition to his parents and wife, James was preceded in death by a sister, A. Faye Burns.

The family will greet guests on Sunday, November 15, 2015 from 1-3 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Randy Chapman will lead a service in the funeral home’s chapel on Monday at 1 PM. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be directed to Dover Church of Christ, 230 East Fourth Street, Dover, Ohio 44622 or to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.