James Shelton Parrish

James Shelton Parrish (87) of Laurel, Mississippi, affectionately known by his grandchildren as “Pop” died at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, MS with his wife and children by his side. A celebration of his life will be held at First Baptist Church Laurel Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Visitation will precede the service from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM on Wednesday, January 15th. Burial to follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel. Jim was born on January 1, 1938 and was a lifelong resident of Laurel. He was the sixth of eight children of Andy and Ada Parrish. He spent his early life growing up in West Laurel with his family. He made a public profession of his faith in Jesus Christ and joined his family as a member of West Laurel Baptist Church. He attended Prentiss Elementary, Jones Junior High and Gardiner High School where he lettered in football, baseball and golf. He attended Jones Junior College where he played baseball. In 1960 Jim met Dot Dill from Lucedale, Mississippi while they were students at the University of Southern Mississippi. After Jim graduated from USM the couple married on Christmas Eve, 1961 at the First Methodist Church of Lucedale and began their married life in Laurel. Christmas Eve might not have been the best time for their families to have a wedding but it was the perfect time for Jim and Dot. Jim entered the field of public education in the fall of 1961 as a teacher at Prentiss Elementary. While there he served as a sixth-grade teacher and football coach. After three years he continued his career as the initial instructor of Drivers Education at R. H. Watkins High School. In the meantime, he and Dot added three children to their family. Over the years all five members of their family made a public profession of their faith in Jesus Christ and were all baptized at West Laurel Baptist Church. What a blessing for any family. Following his time at Watkins High School, Jim continued his educational career as Title One Director, Assistant Superintendent, Director of Auxiliary Services, Athletic Director and Golf Coach for the Laurel School District. As Title One Director he wrote a Federal Grant that was one of ten grants chosen nationally out of thousands that were submitted. The ten were presented at a National Convention in Las Vegas. Jim’s grant provided science classes in the Laurel City School District with opportunities to travel outside the classroom to study and experience different environments. In 1970, Jim was chosen to serve as chairman of the City of Laurel Recreation Department and served until 1991. During that time the department built the CB “Buck” Cameron Center, the LT Ellis Center and added and upgraded multiple baseball, softball, and soccer fields. An avid golfer, Jim was a charter member of Dixie Golf Club and was selected to serve as President for three separate terms. He was instrumental in bringing the Mississippi State Amateur Golf Tournament to Dixie Golf Club in 1970. Jim’s dream was to play golf in all of the continental 48 states and he and Dot enjoyed accomplishing that goal during their retirement years. Golfing trips to Scotland, Ireland, Canada and Norway were also included. He liked attending the biggest events in sports. And he did attend multiple Masters Golf Tournaments, US Opens, PGA Championships, Super Bowls and World Series games. Jim and Dot moved their family church membership to First Baptist Church of Laurel in the early 1980’s. Jim was honored to serve as a Deacon over the years and was recognized as a Life Honored Deacon. He really liked to work with the offering counting committee and was able to do so for several years. And he often “held court” on the back row pew of the right side of the sanctuary between Sunday School and Church for all who were interested in seeking enlightment. Everyone leaves a legacy. For good, bad, or even indifferent, we all leave footprints behind us. Jim left some big footprints for us to follow that will always be remembered. He left many family stories, many family trips together, many examples of always doing what is right, many reasons for loving God and loving your neighbor. May we all who loved him leave footprints that will follow his example and make a path for the next generation. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andy and Ada Parrish of West Laurel, his five brothers Thomas (Claire), William (Christine), Robert (Ruby), Richard (Jan) and Edward (Sheila). His two sisters Claudine Parrish Long (Jack) and Martha Parrish Patrick (Wayne). And Jim’s oldest daughter Amanda Parrish Brown (Derek) of Winter Park, Florida. Jim is survived by his loving wife Dot of 63 years; his son Greg (Chari) of Laurel and his daughter Tamara of Laurel; also, his grandsons Miles Brown and Kyle Brown of Winter Park, FL, Zed Layson Winter Park, FL, and Harris Layson of Winter Park, FL and his granddaughters Caroline Layson of Winter Park, FL, Nicole McQueen and Sandi Cortez of Ellisville, MS and Morgan McQueen of Santa Monica, CA and a host of nieces and nephews. The family is grateful for the following godly men who have loved and supported Jim for many years and have agreed to perform this final act of love . Pallbearers will be Dr. Josh Blair, Hattiesburg, MS, Kyle Bush and Carlton Dillard of Laurel, Michael Walker of Gulfport, MS, Danny Patrick of Moss Point, MS, and Byron Parrish of Tuscaloosa, AL. Honorary pallbearers are George Blair, Frank Cox, Mike Jordan of Laurel, Colonel Billy Keyes, Attorney (Ret) of Flora, MS, Colonel Thomas L. Parrish, Jr. USMC (Ret) of Weems, VA, Colonel William H. Parrish USMC (Ret) of Maidens, VA, The Honorable Judge Charles Pickering of Hebron, MS, Charles Robine, Bobby Stevens, and Roy Wyrick of Laurel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be sent in his memory to First Baptist Church of Laurel P.O. Box 2636, Laurel, MS 39442. To sign the online guest book, visit: www.memorychapellaurel.com

James Shelton Parrish

January 1, 1938 - January 9, 2025