James Edward Park

James Edward Park of Grand Prairie, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the age of 91. He was born on November 7, 1934, in Paris, Texas, to W. J. Park and Theresa Marie Popp Park. James, who many of his friends called “Jim,” was the youngest of four siblings: William Archibald “Archie” Park, Barbara Ann Mills, and Helen Marie Cleary.

James received his Associate in Arts degree from Paris Junior College in 1955 and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southern State College in Magnolia, Arkansas, in 1957, where he attended on a football scholarship. He began his career as a coach and teacher in Dumas, Arkansas. A position with LTV Corp. (Vought Corp. - Northrop Grumman) brought James and his family to Texas. He retired in February 1999 after a successful career that began in July 1967.

James’s love of football developed early and helped shape his life both personally and professionally. He was a recipient of the Dallas Football Officials Association Life Member Award and the DFOA Percy Penn Award, recognizing his “loyalty, dedication, character and leadership to the athletes, coaches and fellow officials both on the field and off” (1998).

James enjoyed every season of the year and the sports that came with each. He loved American history, which he taught for several years during his high school coaching days, and it remained his primary reading interest throughout his life. He was an avid reader, and books were always a welcome gift. Especially after retirement, he could often be found in the late afternoon relaxing with a book in his hands and often a beer by his side, with a beloved family pet resting nearby.

James was a man who was easy to like and admire—a self-described laid-back, non-demanding, and easygoing person. A subtle jokester, he was often described by family and friends as simply “a good man,” which he most certainly was. He loved to tell people when leaving an occasion, “I’m so glad you got to see me!”

James was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Merritt Park, who passed away on November 8, 2025, at the age of 87. They were married on August 24, 1957, and together raised two sons, Michael and Stephen. Their family includes grandchildren Julie McMahan, Stephanie Park, Leann Duong, and Lauren Holt, and great-grandchildren Jaylee and Braden McMahan; Renner, Bruin, and Collins Duong; and Brecken Holt.

James and Nancy felt fortunate to have experienced many travels, both as a couple and with family and friends, especially after their retirement years. They were most proud, however, of the large and loving family they created, whom they admired more than anything. They often said they had lived good, happy, productive, and loving lives.

James was a faithful soul whose presence will be deeply missed, but whose spirit will remain with all who knew him. James Edward Park and Nancy Merritt Park will be laid to rest together in Magnolia, Arkansas.