- Date Of Birth: April 29, 1938
- Date Of Death: October 6, 2015
- State: Idaho
James Deloy “Dee” Parkinson, 77, died Tuesday, Oct 6 in Meridian, Idaho.
Jim was born April 29, 1938 in Pueblo, Colorado to Duane and Martha Parkinson. Although he was an only child, Dee grew up surrounded by many uncles, aunts and cousins. He spent happy summers with his grandfather, Bert Parkinson, on the North Fork of the Boise River, learning to mine, hunt and fish. He enjoyed these passions throughout his life. Dee played the trumpet in the Caldwell High School band, graduating in 1956. He continued playing as a member of the Navy Drum and Bugle Corps. Dee served in the United States Navy from 1956 – 1960. While home on leave, he became reacquainted with a family friend, Doris (Walker) Parkinson. Their friendship developed into a long and lasting marriage of 48 years. They were married on October 27, 1960. Their love for each other is a model for all.
Dee and Doris had three children. Their children and later grandchildren were the center of their lives. As a family, many weekends and vacations were spent in the beautiful Idaho mountains, where Dee passed on his love of fishing, hiking, hunting and mining. As a grandpa, he was the chief breakfast chef, chauffeur, and teacher of all outdoor activities. In his last few years, his grandson, Paul, came to Idaho to live and look after him. Dee inspired him to continue the family mining.
Jim was extremely proud to have been an employee of the Idaho State police as Operations Manager for the Bureau of Communications from 1963 – 1990. Traveling to the many mountain tops, gave him joy as he was able to view the beauties that nature had to offer.
Dee is survived by his daughter, Lynnette Amundson of San Diego, California and sons James (Gena) Parkinson Jr. of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Charles Parkinson, Grandchildren: Christopher (Maida) Parkinson, Amy (Anthony) Keller, Paul Amundson, Kyle Amundson, Caleigh Amundson, Matthew Snedaker, Kierstin Snedaker, Jayna Snedaker, niece, Bridget Rowe, nephew, John (Tabitha) Rowe and Great Granddaughters Katya and Vaelin Parkinson.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Parkinson, parents, Duane and Martha Parkinson, grandson, Danny Parkinson and nephew, Robert Rowe.
