James Albert Parsley

James A. Parsley, 79, of Tieton, passed away from complications due to C.O.P.D. He was born April 26, 1932 in Lead Hill, Arkansas to Adam and Johnnie (Wilmoth) Parsley. He was raised and educated there, graduating from Lead Hill High School. After graduation James served in the Army from 1951-1955, stationed in Germany.

The last of the true cowboys, dad always found the most “outlaw” horses to break. If it had four legs, he would ride it. He was a horseman to the bone. He never met a stranger and everyone was considered family.

James married Delores Lantis on October 16, 1965, blending their families together. In March 1971, they added a daughter to the bunch.

James was a 33 year member of the Tieton Fire Department, served as the Marshal of Tieton from 1967-1970, and was Mayor of Tieton from 1992-1996. He was a founding member of the Tieton Saddle Club and coached many of his girls teams in softball and t-ball.

He is preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers, 2 sisters and 1 great-grandson.

Surviving James is his wife of 46 years, Delores of Tieton; his children Rocky (Amy) Parsley of Yakima, Tammy (Rick) Fix of Moxee, and Janet (Don) Lydin of Selah; grandchildren: Christopher, Amy, Adaley, Nicolas, Jacob, Alissa, Nichole, Jennifer, Blake and Alexandra; great grandchildren: Bryant, Abigail, Conner, Gavin, Destiny, Reagan, Benjamin, Jolene and Holly: brother Joe (Cathy) Parsley of Tieton; sister Peggy Rippee of Yakima; brother-in-law David (Deanna) Lantis of Yakima and many nieces and nephews; special friends Rod Bevins of Goldendale and Bill and Alice Connolly of Tieton.

Special thanks to Dr. Menashe and staff for the exceptional care they gave James over the years.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in James’ name to your favorite charity.

Visitation will be held on February 28, 2012 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held on February 29 at 11:00 am at West Hills Memorial Park. A memorial service and potluck dinner will be held at The Tieton Presbyterian Church at 1:00. All are invited to come and celebrate his life. Langevin-Mussetter has been entrusted with the arrangements. To share a memory of James please visit www.landmfuneralhome.com