James "Jim" Walter Parker, Sr.

Retired U.S. Army First Sergeant James "Jim" Walter Parker, Sr., 82, of Great Falls, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

Born on March 5, 1944, in Monroe, North Carolina, Jim was raised by his loving parents, the late Leon "Buck" and Dorothy Ellis. Answering the call to serve his country, he joined the United States Army and dedicated 23 years to distinguished military service, retiring with the esteemed rank of First Sergeant on December 31, 1983. Over the course of his career, he served valiantly across three deployments in the Vietnam War. Among his many military decorations and honors, First Sergeant Parker was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal (6th Award).

In June 1965, Jim married the love of his life, Ruby Marcene Ghent Parker, and in 1968, they welcomed their son, James W. Parker, Jr. Throughout his decades of military service, Marcene and their son stood faithfully by his side every step of the way that the Army allowed. Following his retirement from the U.S. Army, Jim began a second career in Louisiana, working in the laboratory at Westvaco Chemical before serving as a manager for Barksdale Federal Credit Union.

Jim remained deeply committed to his fellow veterans throughout his life. After relocating to Florida, he served as Commander of VFW Post 8093 in DeBary and later moved to Lake Wales, where he served as Quartermaster at VFW Post 2420. His dedication to the Veterans of Foreign Wars also extended to serving at the state level. When his health began to decline, Jim and Marcene sold their Florida home and returned to their roots in Great Falls, South Carolina. He remained a proud lifetime member of VFW Post 8346 at Lake Wateree.

Outside of his service and leadership, Jim enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved playing a good game of cards, spending time out on the golf course, watching sports, and casting a line for an occasional day of fishing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Anita Ellis and his brothers, Larry Parker and Chester Parker.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 61 years, R. Marcene Ghent Parker; his son, James W. Parker, Jr. (Amy) of Great Falls, SC; his sister, Carolyn Green (Brad) of Rincon, GA; and his brother, Steven Parker (Carla) of Frostproof, FL. He was a proud grandfather to Austin S. Parker (Morgan) and Landon L. Parker (Stephanie), and a beloved great-grandfather to four great-grandchildren.

The family will be receiving friends and visitors at the home (5426 Old Winnsboro Road) on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral and Celebration of Life services with full military honors will be announced at a later date

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Jim’s honor to VFW Post 8093, 351 S. Charles Richard Beall Blvd., DeBary, Florida 32713

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.dantzlerbakerfuneralhome.com