James Mathew Parks

James Mathew Parks, 88, went to be with the Lord on September 18, 2016 in Orlando, FL, from complications of Alzheimer’s. He was born on March 14, 1928 in Rock, WV to parents Stuard and Margaret Parks. Jimmy married Lila Walker Parks of Bluewell, WV on April 22, 1950. Lila and Jimmy were wed for 66 years. He served in the US Navy, aboard the USS Noxubee during his two year enlistment, and received an honorable discharge in 1948. After leaving the Navy, Jimmy moved back home to West Virginia, and began a 40 year career for the N & W Railroad, where he was both a brakeman and conductor. After retiring, Jimmy and Lila moved to Orlando and enjoyed life to the end. Jimmy was a member and deacon of the Powers Drive and Lockhart Baptist churches. He was a mason for over 50 years and a Beni Kedem Shriner. He loved to walk, and logged over 2,000 miles with the West Oaks Walkers. Tuesday morning breakfast with his buddies in Apopka was also memorable to Jimmy, where he earned the nickname “Choo Choo Man.”

Jimmy is predeceased by parents Stuard and Margaret, son Michael Stuard Parks, sisters Bessie, Leona, Kathryn, and June, and brothers Aubrey, Buck, and Junior. Jimmy is survived by his wife Lila of Orlando, daughter Pam (Butch) Poe of Chuluota, FL, grandson Michael (Maria) Fields of Raleigh NC, granddaughter Heather (Colin) Sovich of Cape Coral, FL, grandson Chris (Jaclyn) Poe of Winter Springs, FL, granddaughter Stacy (Ben) McKeeby of Atlanta, GA, and ten great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Friday September 23 at 10:30am, with a service and graveside committal at 11:30am. Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd, Gotha, FL 34734.