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James William Garstone Parker, 1920 - 2006

Jim Parker, who lived in Henrys Garth.

The following appeared in the February 2007 edition of the Good News Paper (Parish Magazine) and is reproduced with permission.

Jim was an only child who longed to be part of a larger family partly due to his mother having died when he was only two. When he was invited by a friend to go home with him to meet his family which included four more children he was pleased, there were three sisters and Jim was overjoyed to meet one in particular, Audrey.

This was in August 1939, they married in December 1941, by which time Jim was in the RAF. Their wartime wedding was an eventful day, they both turned at the church, the vicar didn't. A replacement was hurriedly summoned from a neighbouring parish. Jim served as a Flight Engineer on heavy bombers and was demobilised at the end of hostilities. He then went into partnership with his brother-in-law, opening a car repair business. Jim found that he missed the RAF so he rejoined. He never looked back, retiring as a Wing Commander in 1976.

By this time the Parkers had purchased a home in Burbage, on the "New Development" as it was then known. They fast became established members of the community. Not being the sort to sit around and do nothing Jim soon became involved in voluntary organisations and ran the accounts for a local business. Many of you will have experienced Jim on your doorstep during Wings Week collecting for the Royal Air Force Association, something he was involved in for 30 years. He was chairman of the local Conservative Association and a staunch supporter of the British Legion, until recent years having been the local organiser for the Poppy appeal. A great joy to Jim was when he was asked to deputise for Santa at several village events. With Audrey, Jim was always to be seen at village events, both as organisers and participants. They lived life to the full as evidenced by holidays taken flotilla sailing around the Greek islands and two visits in one year to Disneyland.

Of recent times, after the loss of Audrey, Jim continued to demonstrate his independence and determination, he decided to visit his son in Spain, but, being banned from flying due to health problems, went by coach 36 hours there and 36 hours back, this at the age of 85! The ban on flying was lifted so he organised a trip to visit his son in Tasmania. He never made it, his journey was to a much better place.

He was very proud of his family of four children, four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He delighted in his extended family of friends.

Jim and Audrey had, over the years, been irregular visitors to the church until Audrey found that the pews were too uncomfortable. Jim was invited to attend the last Alpha course which he thoroughly enjoyed and made many new friends in the church family.

From the perspective of Pat & Mike Eley who had the privilege of knowing him for 32 of his 86 years.

Jim Parker, far right, during the dedication of the new war memorial in 1993.

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