John "Jack" Parks, Jr.

John Alexander Parks, Jr., age 101, of Viera, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 27, 2025. Jack was born on June 24, 1923, in Detroit, MI, to John Alexander Parks and Anna Mae Miller.

Jack attended public schools in Detroit and enlisted in the Navy on December 15, 1941, as a seaman recruit in the V-6 program. He served with the 1st and 4th U.S. Naval Construction Battalions. Initially stationed at Dutch Harbor, he was given the chance to attend college in Kalamazoo, MI, in 1943 under the V-12 program. He then attended Columbia University Midshipman School in NY and was commissioned as an Ensign in 1945. He trained as a deck officer and an aerial gunner instructor, eventually becoming a Naval Ordnance Demolition Officer. After WWII, he married Audre Reed and joined his father's Detroit, John A Parks Co. insurance business.

Recalled for the Korean War, he served as the Officer in Charge of the watch for classified communications, overseeing the bureaus of the Navy Department in Washington, DC. After this, he became the Commanding Officer for Naval Reserve Surface and Fleet Divisions at the Broadhead Naval Armory in Detroit. He was stationed at various locations and served on different ships during the Cold War, remaining in the reserve for 41 years. He married Monica Anderson in 1965 and lived in the Indian Village neighborhood of Detroit.

Jack served as president of the John A. Parks Co. in Detroit until 1984, when he and Monica moved to Fort Lauderdale and then to Indian River Colony Club in Viera, FL, in 2004. He was a patriot who supported his country and the military throughout his lifetime. He was a committee member and chairman of numerous events and balls. He served as a National Director Emeritus of the Navy League and was a member of the Navy Seabee Veterans, Rotary International, USO, and Military Officer Association of America (MOAA.)

Jack will be remembered for his tremendous enthusiasm and enjoyment of life. He loved to travel the world and particularly cherished the more than 20 summers he and Monica spent at their home in County Kerry, Ireland. Jack is survived by his loving wife, Monica, and his sons, John III (married to Janet) and Stephen (married to Patricia). His legacy lives on through his grandchildren, Jennifer, Christopher, Erin, Eileen, and Gregory, as well as his great-grandchildren, AJ, Matthew, Elizabeth, Reed, Grayson, Alexander, Isabelle, Hudson, Roger, and John, along with many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service honoring Jack will occur at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Indian River Colony Club Chapel. Interment will occur at a later date in Elk Rapids, MI.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the IRCC Foundation, Inc. at 1936 Freedom Drive, Melbourne, FL 32940, phone (321) 255-6000