Joe won the 100 yard dash in the Regional Track Meet at Houseman Field, Grand Rapids Michigan in 1962.  I was in the lane to his left.  I had the honor of watching him finish in front of me.  He was an incredible sprinter.  I have never forgotten that day, and I was saddened to discover this obituary. 

He was an outstanding mentor and friend. Worked for him for a few months and learned more then I can ever ask for.

Joe and his family were our neighbors and quickly morphed into  family.  He and his siblings were ours and we were his.  

Joe was an amazing being.  I enjoyed our conversations and laughter.  More so, Joe was an empowered soul, who strived for (and achieved) excellence in each endeavor.  

“It’s heart warming to know,
That in the very end.
Family, Love and Memories,
Doesn’t yield  to death,
....And never, ever ends.”

Take your well deserved rest Joe, knowing that you are loved beyond infinity.  You are sorely missed.

Continued prayers for the children , grandchildren and extended family members.  Mariah, blessings and love to you and Michael.

Marie, Ozell, Andrew , Carol and Michael...my thoughts prayers and love are with each of you♥️


~”Neda”~

Benita A. Threadgill
Ann Arbor, MI

#TigerBeyondTheWall

Our prayers and condolences go out to the Parham family.   Joe was a friend and my longtime Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity brother.  He has left many great memories for all of us to share for a lifetime.  May his long and heartfelt service to others be a blessing to each and every person he touched.  
Prayerfully,
Stanley & Marjorie Kyle

Joe and I were roommates at ASU.  We lived and shared 2 years together from 1962 to 1964.  Joe was a terrific football player and very well respected on an excellent ASU football team.  I was on the ASU wrestling squad.  Hayden Hall was where they housed the athletes at ASU.  When I walked into our dorm room in the fall semester of 1962 Joe asked me what I was doing?  I said that I’m your roommate.  He look at me with that wonderful smile and said, “But your a white guy”.   I said,  “You ok with that”.    He said, “sure come on in”.  Out of thousands of roommates, Joe and I were the only black/white roommates.  Joe introduced me to “Blues”, his way of thinking, and lots of new friends.  Call me if you want to get together and reminisce about my very good and talented RoomMate.  God Bless him and Heart felt condolences to all his family.
Jon Walker
Cell 602-741-6136

From our college days at ASU to now, we have been friends. Who is going to call me now with a grand idea that needed my help with. You are the biggest dreamer always trying to find a way to make more money and have an impact in the community. I will miss those calls. Thank you for being a consistent friend. My prayers are with your family.  Teresa Carol Anderson 

From our early childhood together and the many years we spent together in Arizona,Joe has been a inspiration,role model and mentor to all that know him.Sincere condolences and prayers to his family and friends.

Although a bit of an age difference separated us we spent a lot of time together.  When we both worked for the State of Arizona we met almost everyday.  We included each other in our Motivational Speaking  tours. We spent holidays together and we went to football games together.  We even went to casinos together.  

I understand that we can't be together forever and his smile will  always be a warm memory in my heart. Goodbye Joe...

Although, I met Joe nearly twenty years ago, I still find that he was such involved and so accomplished in what he has done in life that the time we shared as friends was still not long enough to know everything.  Dr. Parham you will be missed.  You have been a great mentor and friend.  

Maria, Joe will be missed but God allowed you to have him as long as you did. He will always be with you just as God will always be with you and Michael.  I am a school friend, a classmate from Muskegon Heights, Michigan. Joe was an excellent football player and earned his scholarship. Be safe, be careful, and take care of  yourself. My prayers are with you. 🙏

Joe and I lived near each other during our High School years in Muskegon Heights MI.  Gloria Burton, Joe and I had a close friendship.  We were always collaborating on homework or  attending his track meets and football games.  After graduating in 1962 he left to attend ASU and I went to L.A.;  we remained friends even when we lost contact for long periods.  Recently we spent a lot of time on the phone reminiscing and catching up on life’s challenges. A few years ago Joe gave me his wife’s contact info in case he couldn’t be reached; he kept himself busy.  Maria, thank you for staying in touch and I wish only the best for you and all of Joe's family.  I will miss my friend, but I have so many nice memories to hold onto.   


I am so saddened to loose my best friend and brother Joe.  
You have been an inspiration to me and so many others.
I will always miss your true friendship, your vision and all the good times

Dr. Wil Coiunts

JOE!  
To Me; A Leader, Path Finder, Forerunner who being friendly was also a friend!  You would never know he’s a former ASU athlete.  
Who is that in that Mercedes-Benz ? 
That’s Joe Parham!
JD Hill

My loving husband Joe, I have loved you since we met in 1986 in Glendale.  I will love you forever.  I thank you for our beautiful son Michael.   The day he was born, I fell in love with you even more deeply than I ever thought was possible. Amazing!   I have enjoyed your company, our conversations, your stories,  your life lessons, and insights.  You have brought love and joy to my life along with many beautiful memories.  Thank you for sharing your live with me and making me feel loved and secure.  You will be in my heart always and forever till we are rejoined. 
Your loving friend and wife, Maria L. Parham

Greatly saddened to hear my friend and classmate from the Class of 1962, has passed. I share your tears. Joe and I, along with Frank Mitchell and Jim Johnson share the 800 meter relay record from our school. I will miss talking with my friend and classmate. May God bless and comfort his family.
In Loving memory,
Sam McMurray

On behalf of my brothers and sisters:

Death may have taken our brother but he lives on through us.  We each have our personal memories of him and what he meant to us and he will live on in our thoughts and hearts. 

I extend my deepest sympathies to our family and those he left behind. I give honor to our parents and those family members who have gone before us as we grieve the loss of our brother, Joe.

Let us be thankful for the time that we had with him.

Love you all, 
Ozell Parham Jr

OBITUARY

Dr. Joseph Parham

April 2, 1944 – January 7, 2021

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services