James Ellis ("Jimmy") Parker, Jr.

“God saw he was getting tired, and a cure was not to be, so He put His arms around him and whispered, ‘Come with me’. With tearful eyes we watched him suffer and fade away; although we loved him dearly, we could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating; hard-working hands put to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

James Ellis “Jimmy” Parker, Jr. was born on April 5, 1944, and died on November 3, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 79, and a life-long resident of Baton Rouge.

Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Martha Stanfield Parker, his daughter and son-in-law, Shannon and Steven Sellars, his son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Jennifer Parker; his grandchildren, Dylan and Jillian Sellars, Sommer Sellars, Thomas Parker, and Anna Kathryn Parker; his great-granddaughter, Ellie Sellars; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Ellis Parker, Sr. and Rosalie Manno Parker; his sister, Donnie Parker Harden; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Thomas William “Ted” Stanfield and Jo Helen Stanfield.  

Jimmy loved his family beyond measure and was a great friend to many. He was blessed to have more close friends than most. Jimmy was co-owner of Precision Brake and Clutch and Heavy Duty Parts and Equipment and enjoyed a successful career in the family business.  An avid Louisiana sportsman, he enjoyed fishing and hunting.  He was an incredible cook, could fix just about anything, gave the best advice, and was the biggest cheerleader for his children and grandchildren.  From dance recitals to Christmas plays to Grandparents Day at school to the countless baseball games for his grandsons, he was always there and loved and enjoyed every minute of it.  Jimmy was a jokester and had many nicknames for people, some not fit for print.  He loved life and lived it to its fullest.  He was fortunate to travel to many beautiful locales and experience God’s creations. 

The family is thankful to all of his loving caregivers and to Clarity Hospice. 

Visitation will be at St. George Catholic Church at 7808 St. George Drive in Baton Rouge on Thursday, November 9, 2023, from 10:00 am until the Funeral Mass at noon. Burial at Resthaven Gardens of Memory following Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. George Catholic Church or the American Stroke Association.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com