James Byston Parks, Jr.

Jimmy was born December 18, 1950 in Uvalde, TX, the son of James Byston Parks, Sr. and Juanita Midgett Parks. He was a graduate of Churchill High School where he met the love of his live, his soul mate, Liz Byrd. He helped pick the school colors at Churchill the year it opened. He was the 1st All City player and captain of the football team earning the Outstanding Football Player Award. Jimmy was Vice President of the Junior Class. He was the Key Club President. Coincidentally, Liz Byrd was voted to be the Key Club Sweetheart. He was a member of the National Honor Society, was voted most likely to succeed and class favorite his senior year, and earned the Outstanding Senior Award. He also won the Ward's Award when he graduated Churchill.

Jimmy was offered a full scholarship to Princeton but turned it down to stay here with his love, Liz Byrd. Jimmy and Liz married soon after graduating from high school and started their life journey together. They started a family that became the focus and inspiration for his success. Jimmy graduated from Trinity University where he attended on a scholarship for academics and football. He sold cookware door to door and won the National Salesman of the Year Award for Vitacraft. After graduating from college, he started an office equipment business. His mother and father helped run the business so he could attend Saint Mary's School of Law where he earned his judicial doctorate and spent the rest of his life establishing himself as one of the best defense attorneys in the nation.

Jimmy has had several recognitions including Best Lawyers in America; Scene in SA Best Lawyers in San Antonio; Texas Monthly - Top Attorneys; Texas Super Lawyers; Texas Super Lawyers - The Top Attorneys in Texas. Jimmy has received the AV rating - Highest rating in legal ability and Ethical Standards for Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. Parks authored the "Winning in the Courtroom" DVD Series, giving step by step instructions on how to try a case from jury selection to closing arguments.

He had an inimitable sense of humor that touched everyone he met. He took great pleasure in making us laugh. He especially enjoyed sitting around the family dinner table telling jokes with his grandchildren, Brenden, Faith, James and Makayla. He was unbelievably proud of his daughter Tina and his son Jimbo. He took pride in all their endeavors. He coached Jimbo's soccer team, the NEYSO Panthers, to 2 national quarterfinal appearances and numerous state championships, and he served as Treasurer and then President of NEYSO Soccer Organization. When Jimbo went on to play soccer at Churchill High School and then Incarnate Word College, Jimmy became the booster club president for both schools. In all the years Jimbo and Tina played sports, he never missed a game. He continued to have that devotion to his grandchildren by attending all their sporting events and performances with video camera in hand. He was the patriarch of a special family who will deeply miss him.

He was a manifestation of God's love. He taught us love, compassion and patience by being an example for us to follow. He harbored an endless supply of God's love which he disseminated altruistically. His love and devotion to his wife Liz was unparalleled. He freely and generously gave what he had to anyone in need or to anyone who asked. Jimmy had incredible intelligence and insight which is why we loved listening to his perspective on all subjects, especially the Bible. He was truly one of a kind. From his life we learned this: that if the angels are as good as he then God's Home for us is more glorious than anything we could ever dream or imagine. Today there is joy in Heaven, and in God's presence there is incomparable laughter and singing, for one of God's most precious angels has completed his work here with us and has returned home.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, Jimmy Parks, Sr.

He is survived by his wife, who reciprocally loves and adores him beyond measure, Liz Parks, as well as his son, James Byston Parks, III; his daughter, Tina Allen and her husband James Allen; his mother, Juanita Parks; his sister, Sharon Hatley and her husband Richard; and his brother, Bradley Parks. The sparkle in his eyes was brought on by his grandchildren, Brenden Parks, Makayla Allen, Faith Allen and James Allen, Jr. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and colleagues who were blessed to have had him in their lives.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 24, 2012, at Porter Loring Mortuary North Chapel.

SERVICE

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2012

11:00 A.M.

COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH

2477 N. LOOP 1604 E.

Rev. Robert Emmitt and Rev. Buckner Fanning will officiate.

Interment will be held on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Cross Cemetery.