Jim Parrish, 72

James W. “Jim” Parrish, age 72, of Marcellus died while surrounded by his family on Monday July 29, 2013 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born in Otsego, MI on March 2, 1941 the son of James Hoyt and Naomi (Punches) Parrish. He attended Otsego schools and was former member of the Otsego Baptist Church. He received his diploma from Portage Central High School and later attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Jim was a distributor for Hostess Cakes, Archway Cookies, Jays Potato Chips, and Cabana Chips. He had also worked in car sales at Orrin B. Hayes in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek Ford. And for a five year period he was the owner of Texas Corners Pizza. Jim Wintered in Florida where he attended the Sunshine Christian Church in Winter Garden. He loved animals being outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, camping, and four-wheeling.

Jim was married to Barbara Babcoke on Dec. 14, 1968 in Plainwell. She survives along with four children, Jeff Parrish of Kalamazoo, Scott Parrish of Marcellus, Tammy Parrish of Three Rivers, and James (Tracy) Parrish of Vicksburg; four grandchildren, Paul, Alexis, Seth, and Carson Parrish; a great-granddaughter, Layla Presley; a sister, Jean Ellinger; four brothers, Robert, Jack, Larry, and Gary Parrish; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by a daughter, Sheryl Lent Morris.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Eickhoff Farrand Halverson Chapel in Three Rivers. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday Aug. 2, 2013 at the funeral home with Rev. Robert Sullivan, Pastor of the Sunshine Christian Church of Winter Garden, Florida officiating. Burial will follow in Lower Flatbush Cemetery. It is suggested that memorials be directed to either the American Heart Association, or to the Animal Rescue Fund. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.efhchapel .com