James “Jim” A. Parris, 76, of Wooster, passed away Thursday, November 2, 2023 at his residence.
He was born on August 8, 1947 in Dover the son of William and Marjorie Rippel Parris. On July 9, 1971, he married Susan Neiger. She survives.
Jim served his country in the United States Navy. He was a salesman/entrepreneur working for several different companies over the years. Jim was a member of Madisonburg Lions, The Ebenezer #33 Masonic Lodge in Wooster and past board member of Wooster Youth Baseball. He was heavily involved in scouting, and enjoyed camping and spending time with his family.
In addition to his wife Susan, he is survived by son Jeff Parris of Wooster; daughter Jennifer (Jason Simpson) Parris of Wooster.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; son Timothy Parris; brother and sister-in-law Frederick and Patsy Parris.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Church of the Cross United Methodist Church, 5100 Cleveland Rd, Wooster with Pastor James Lance, Rev. Kris Patt officiating.
Friends will be received following the service.
Private family inurnment will take place in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.
Memorial contribution can be direct to charity of the donor’s choice.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
So sorry to see Jim passed. A top notch man in all regards. Patient,kind, and courteous, all traits that he passed on to many through Boy Scouts.
Rest easy Jim.
I’m so sorry Sue,Jennifer and Jeff.Jim was such a positive person. He helped so many people and kids especially. He did so much for the Wooster community and many kids from all over. His involvement with scouting, baseball,concession,and electrical sales business just shows how much of a giving and unselfish person he was. I’m glad to call him my friend. Dave.
Sue! We are beyond d heartbroken! Jim was a great friend , scoutmaster and boss! He has always been there to help out where needed and will be deeply missed!!!
Jim had a warm, generous spirit and was a blessing to so many young people, including me. His presence was a gift to the whole community & surrounding area. He will be greatly missed.
I had the privilege of working over the years along side Jim in scouting. Most recently in October where he catered a fine meal for over 100 scouts and scouters. He made many people have a brighter day and he will be missed.
Rest In Peace Jim.
Sue I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s death! He was such a wonderful and loving man and worked so hard with you at the Church. I know he will be missed by many, many people as well as yourself and others in your family. You two were good friends and May he Rest In Peace! My prayers are with you, Sue! God will take care of him until we can be with our husbands again. Love you Sue!
Mr. Parris, what a great guy! Always happy to say hi and loved to joke and laugh. I’ll never forget growing up with him, Mrs. Parris, Jenny, Jeff and Tim as my next door neighbors. Paper route, lemonade stands, swimming pool concession stands and days upon days over the years of “going over to the Parris’ house” just to hang out. My kids also were lucky enough to meet Mr. Parris and his family too.
Mrs. Parris, Jenny and Jeff- I am so very sorry for your loss and I know Mr. Parris will be greatly missed. Rest in peace neighbor.
Wonderful person and neighbor. Always there to help out with whatever you needed. Jim helped me in so many ways. Sue, Jeff and Jennifer I’m so sorry for your loss. Jim
Dear Sue and family,
I adored Jim. I will always remember his stories, his laugh, his dancing, his incredibly funny Facebook posts and Mr. J’s Lunchbox. To me, Jim and Sue are the essence of what is best in life. Their giving, gracious, servant lifestyle has touched so many lives and is something I strive to achieve. So, thank you Jim. Thank you for taking care of my family while I live so far away. Thank you for always coming to our rescue when we needed a meal made or a helping hand. Thank you for making me laugh and brightening my day. You truly touched my life. My prayers are with you during this time and may God provide comfort in the days ahead. Much love to you all and to loving Jim. He will be greatly missed.
Sue, Jeff and Jenny how we remember Jim at Wooster football games at the grill cooking. At forth of July setting up cotton candy machine so it could get all over Jenny. Driving past our house daily to go to Freelander pool concession stand. We LOVE you all. Carla, Jackie and C.J.
My deepest sympathies to Jim’s family and friends. He was always such a positive and friendly presence. Met him when I was a kid when he worked at Jones Construction. I remember once we were in Florida at Epcot, hundreds of miles away from little Wooster. We walked around the corner and bumped in to Jim and his family. Nothing but very fond memories of an incredibly kind man. Rest in Peace Jim.
It hasn’t hit me until seeing his obituary in the paper that yes, he really is gone. Jim, you were such an inspiration and a mentor to so many people. You were one of the most selfless people I knew. Your laugh was contagious. Your ability to make others laugh and smile was on par with Robin Williams himself. There are so many nice and wonderful things I could say about you but writing this actually hurts my soul. I’ve known you since I was little. I remember coming into the church after boy scout meetings and always looking forward to seeing you, even though I was super shy and would hide behind mom most of the time 😅Your smile will be so very dearly missed. I wish you could have looked in the mirror every day and seen all the wonderful things that others see about you. I hope you have found your peace. Until we meet again, Love, Amber 💗
Thank you for your service. Condolences to the family.
Jim was always a friendly prankster. I enjoyed our times together. He so willingly gave to the Wooster community and loved his family deeply. Thanks Sue, Jeff and Jenny for sharing him with us.
Our sympathies to the family of Mr. Parris.
Board Members and Staff – Wayne County Board of Elections
Prayers for the family. We loved working with him at Miller Field. He had a great sense of humor!
Jim and I first met in 1994 when we were both active in Scouts, little league and school events. Jim and I became close friends over the past 30 years as well his beautiful wife Sue ♥️. I have truly lost not only a close friend, fellow Navy Veteran, but a mentor who taught me so much over our 30 years friendship. I will miss you Jim my friend 🙏💭
Jim and I first met down at Miller Field where he served as a Wooster Youth Baseball volunteer for many hours every year. I knew him as an umpire, concession stand manager, and fellow WYBI Board member. Always a smile on his face and a “Dad” joke on his lips you couldn’t help but feel better after talking with him. He helped not only during the season but also in fund-raising by selling Christmas Trees on the fields. He gave my son and daughter their first experience working at the concession stand and I’ll bet many a teenager likewise had their first jobs and learned so much through his help. Jim was a GREAT volunteer and an even better person! I will miss him.
I am sadden to hear about the passing of Jim Parris. Even though I knew Jim many years through my job as his food service operation inspector, I still always considered Jim to be a friend. He was always such a positive and funny person. Sometimes I never knew when he was being serious or funny until I saw his smile and heard him laugh. My heart goes out to Sue, Jeff and Jennifer. Jim will be truly missed by so many people and the Wooster Community.
Sue I’m so in shock. Jim was a huge and postive male influence in my life that I didn’t have in home life. His dedication and unselfish time he devoted to scouting was a truly amazing looking back as an adult now. He was there for alot of us and I’m so glad I got to spend time with him 2 summers ago with James. Once again my condolences and you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Mr. Parris will always be remembered as one of the kindest, funniest, patient, hard working, loyal, dedicated person we have had the blessing to have known.
Thank you Sue, Jeff and Jenny for sharing him with all of us.
He lived a life worthy and fully of love.
Our family is better for having the honor to have known him.
Our daughters loved him and will carry his spirit with them wherever they go.
All our love to his treasured family. We are here for you all.
So very sorry for your loss. I remember our times at your house quite fondly.