Jim, as he was known, was born on Sept. 26, 1933 in Corinth, MS to Jimmie Derror Taylor Parkey and Lloyd William Parkey. His family moved to West Palm Beach, FL about 1937 for his health. There he thrived not only physically, but also academically and musically. His major interests were piano, violin, football, and baseball. Some honors earned in his senior year at Palm Beach High School were class president, valedictorian, honor society president, orchestra first violinist, a top award winner in piano at the state contest, and being named “Most Likely To Succeed”.
He earned his B.A. degree and Phi Beta Kappa membership from Vanderbilt University and his M.S. degree in organic chemistry from the University of Tennessee. He was a contributor for over 36 years to Buckeye Cellulose Corporation at the Memphis, TN and Perry, FL locations. In Jim’s words, the greatest pride and joys of his life by far were his beloved Peggy, his wife of 58 years at her passing in 2014, and their family. They were the focus of his life and efforts. With them as motivation and with their help, he managed Type I diabetes for 61 years.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Margaret (Peggy) Diddle Parkey.
He is survived by his daughter Beth Poppell (Skip), his son Dan Parkey (Becky), his grandchildren Taylor Poppell, Hannah Poppell, Harper Parkey Bontrager (Matthew), and Carter Parkey, and his brothers Bill Parkey (Drina) and Bob Parkey (Carol).
A Memorial Service will be at 11 AM on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Trinity United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church at 120 West Park Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32301.
