James William "Red" Parks

James “Red” W. Parks, 80, was called home Wednesday, November 22, 2017. In hospice care for 11 months prior to his death, James passed peacefully in his sleep. He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Foresta Parks; parents Glen & Marie Parks; sisters Dotty Parks, Rosie Brunkow, Jane McWherter; brother Meyers Parks and nephew MikeParks. James leaves behind his companion of 19 years, Jenny Cruzzo; best feline friend Blue; sisters Ruthie Gross & Mary Jenkins; five children, Ken Parks, Kimberly Crawford, Kellie Swenson,
Kristina Bruntmyer and Kyle Parks; 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was born in Nevada, Missouri November 22, 1937 and spent his early years taking apart and rebuilding farm equipment to satisfy his curiosity of how things worked. In 1955, James married Foresta and they welcomed five children into their eastern Independence home where he
resided until the day of his passing.
James was a skilled electrician at Lake City Ammunition Plant where he earned his nickname “Red” from his signature bright red hair. His trademark bib overalls helped him carry around tools so that he could “fix” his many garage sale and swap-shop treasures. James enjoyed dining with his friends at Jim’s Family Restaurant and would never pass up the open face roast
beef sandwich from Little Richard’s and a glass of Squirt. James taught us many valuable lessons, among them: never throw away...ANYTHING! You can always fix it, reuse it or at the very least hold onto it in case someone else needs it….even if it is 20 years from now. He had a heart of gold and would gladly give you the shirt off his back. He was always the first to lend a helpful hand and never asked for anything in return for his
kindness. Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 29th 6-8pm at Carson-Speaks Chapel.
Services will be held 10am Thursday, November 30th at the funeral home, Pastor Bryce
Bereuter will officiate. Burial will be at Mound Grove Cemetery and serving as pallbearers will be Josh Swenson, Hanna Swenson, Sheldon Bruntmyer, Justice Fluty, Chad Sanders and Jeff Westmoreland. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Crossroads Hospice, 14310 E. 42nd St., Ste. #600, Independence, MO 64055.