James Parks

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James T. Parks, 79, Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was born Sunday, March 11, 1928 in Tightwad, Missouri, the son of John L. and Grace (LaRue) Parks. He departed this life Monday, April 16, 2007 at the Pleasant Hill Health & Rehabilitation Center.

On May 6, 1943 James was united in marriage to Dorothy F. Jones, in Clinton, Missouri. After the death of their first daughter James and Dorothy traveled to Seattle, Washington then moved to the Kansas City area to join the union and then settled in Pleasant Hill.

He was employed as a Master Blaster, for Rickey construction and was well known for his dynamite blasting technique. He was a member of the Heavy Construction Laborers Union #663. He joined February 6th 1945 and was one of the few Gold Card Members left in the Union.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 daughters Kelly Sharleen and Carla Faye.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy of the home; 2 sons, Marlin R. Parks and wife Linda, and Larry Leemon, Clinton, Missouri; 1 daughter Tamera I. Thomas, Pleasant Hill, 1 brother, Frank Parks, Deepwater, Missouri, 2 sisters, Peggy Motley, Tightwad, Missouri and Evelyn, Clinton, Missouri; 6 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.

Graveside funeral services were held Friday, April 20, 2007 at the Parks Chapel Cemetery, Tightwad, Missouri. Pastor Bud McCleskey officiated. Casket bearers were Rob Briggs, Jack Dainbridge, Luke Huskey, Jason Mendenhall, Michael Parks, and Rick Riley.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Working Families' Friend, 1021 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, Missouri 64105.