- Date Of Birth: December 29, 1952
- Date Of Death: October 18, 2010
- State: Colorado
“Big” Jim Parish was born in San Diego in December of 1952 and moved to Littleton with his mom and dad, Jean and Mel Parish, when he was just a couple of years old.
Whether he dressed up as Belushi in his best Blues Brothers imitation, or bouncing around on stage as a whistling midget–Jim always had a smile on his face and hugs for everyone. Whether it was at Young Life, or multiple Christmas Day snow bowls, if Jim was involved there was fun to be had. And sports--there were never enough games to watch or go to.
Jim’s involvement with Young Life began in high school when he attended meetings with friends. He met Christ on a week-long backpacking trip in Colorado’s Collegiate range the summer and carried out his faith by becoming a club leader at Englewood High School and as a camp counselor at Silver Cliff Ranch. His famous stint as one of the whistling midgets with friend Hank Rollert is forever etched in the memories of many club members! In later years, he and Anna , Jims first wife served as Young Life committee members in the Littleton area with former leader Bart Tarman. Jim will be forever remembered as someone who gave his all to the kids that he befriended in those meetings, as well as to his fellow committee members.
Jim graduated from Littleton High and went on to study nursing afterwards. For several years, he worked at Craig Hospital and Rose Hospital, and then made the big leap to corporate when he went to work at JD Edwards. After leaving JD Edwards several years ago, Jim devoted his time to a variety of charitable and investment ventures, but his big love has always been his family. Jim’s three sons, Jim, Drew and Alex all live in the Denver area, and have grown up to be men of great hearts, just like their dad.
He then met Martha at Denise and Henry’s house. Eight years of parties and barbeques he finally asked her out. Amazingly enough she caved. They dated for about one year and he decided that marrying her was the answer. They were married May 22, 1999. They have enjoyed traveling together and have enjoyed being with family and friends. Jim loved kids’ sporting events and was a huge supporter in football, lacrosse, tennis and swim team. He loved going out to dinner and the challenge for Martha and Jim was to find a new restaurant where ever they were, good or bad, but only go there once. It was on to the next one.
Jim has 3 sons and one step daughter, Brittany . Jim and Martha have been married for 11 years. He is deeply missed !!!!
James Allen Parish, 57, of Highlands Ranch. Survived by his wife Martha; mother Jean Parish; children James Allen Parish, II, Drew Parish, Alex Parish, and Brittany Bushacher; sister Donna Landrum; Winston Johnson; nieces and nephews, Lee and Wendy Johnson, Amanda and Neal Lynch.
Jim’s Creed
Attitude is the most important thing in determining whether or not we achieve success in life. Be optimistic and live for today.
