James A. “Gem” Parish, age 85, of Marion passed away on Wednesday morning, June 19, 2024, in the Marion General Hospital. He was born in Marion, Ohio on May 18, 1939 to the late LeRoy and Marjorie (Whitehill) Parish. Jim was raised by his father and stepmother, Clara Belle Parish, who also preceded him in death. He married the former Carolyn “Sue” Hughes on July 28, 1981 in Clintwood, VA. And she survives in Marion.
Jim was a lifetime member of VFW Post 7201 and a member of American Legion Post 162. He retired in 2000 as a conductor for the Erie, CSX, & Conrail Railroads where he had been employed for over 44 years with these 3 companies. He also served in the U.S. Air Force.
Surviving along with his wife, Sue are a stepson, Darrell (Genie) Collins of Marion, OH., 2 stepdaughters, Kim ( fiance’; Greg Thacker Sr.) Collins and Lori (Travis Martin) Predmore both of Marion, OH., six grandchildren, Chasity Moore, Shane Patrick, Shaye Scott, Keely Cotton, Sierra Cooper, & Brendon Gray, and many great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews, & cousins. Preceeding him in death were a granddaughter, Kayla Collins, 4 brothers, Richard, Jack, Fred, & Robert Parish, and 4 sisters, Jean Rall, Ruth Ann Waddell, Joanne Millingan, & Donna Lobb.
Friends may call at the Boyd Funeral Home on Monday, June 24th, 2024, from 11:00 AM until service time at 1:00 PM. Mike Galyk from the Veterans Council will be officiating and burial will follow in the Grand Prairie Cemetery. The Marion County Veterans Council will be providing military rites at the cemetery and donations may be given directly to the council.