Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Jim Parker Obituary
Des Moines
James Craig Parker, 49, passed away April 16, 2012, at home surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with colon cancer. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 20, 2012, at St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service and memorial graveside services will be held 9 a.m. Saturday at Glendale Cemetery.
Jim was born September 15, 1962, in Des Moines, son of Richard Parker and Rosemary Parker. He graduated from Hoover High School in 1980. Jim received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University and later received his MBA from Drake University. Jim started his career in Cedar Rapids at the Duane Arnold Nuclear Power Plant as a Design Engineer. He later moved to Des Moines and had a successful career at MidAmerican Energy for 24 years, his last position was Vice President of Energy Supply Management. Jim was a graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute.
Jim grew up in Beaverdale and earned his Eagle Scout Award in 1977. He was an avid runner and bicyclist who enjoyed camping and nature. Jim enjoyed going to Iowa State football and basketball games. His greatest love and passion was his family, especially his children, Kayla and Drew and step-daughter, Allie.
Surviving are wife, Cherish Anderson of Des Moines, his children, Kayla and Drew Parker and step-daughter, Allie Calder, all of Des Moines; his mother, Rosemary Parker of Des Moines, father, Richard Parker of Madrid, brother, Dave (Amy Sewell) Parker of Clive, and his sister, Amy Parker of Urbandale. In addition to his family Jim leaves behind many dear friends and colleagues.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Iles Funeral Homes-Dunn's Chapel where a vigil service will be held at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the John Stoddard Cancer Center or HCI Care Services. Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Doctors and nurses at the John Stoddard Cancer Center and HCI Care Services. We are forever grateful to Jim's friends and colleagues for their love and support during our journey.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jim Parker
D. Moriarty
April 22, 2012
Amy and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I will be keeping you in my prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Love and blessings, Dee Gourley-Moriarty
Judi Johnson/Carter/Martin
April 21, 2012
Rosemary, Rich, Amy, David, spouses and children -- I was so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He was much too young and I can't imagine how your hearts must be hurting, but that final journey is not planned by we mere mortals. Please accept my deepest condolences -- I love and miss you all.
Carol Lastuvka
April 20, 2012
Rosemary, Amy, David & Richard ~ you have been in my thoughts and prayers daily ~ may God give you strength during this difficult time. Love, Carol
Angie and Kaitlyn Brookhart
April 20, 2012
Amy - We want you to know we think of you daily and you are in our prayers.
Les & Lorrena Malin
April 19, 2012
Rosemary - Our very deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God Bless each of you. Les & Lorrena
Paige Gee
April 18, 2012
Kayla, I'm sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. I never met your dad but I know you were very close with him and looked up to him by the way you talked about him daily at work. I love you chica, let me know if there is anything I can do! Miss you tons! Love ya!
Cindy Gordon
April 18, 2012
Richard, I am so sorry to hear about your son Jim. I know Cherish by belonging to the NAWBO group and she sure is a sweet heart. My heart goes out to you both. I lost my husband suddenly last year so I know the pain. My prayers will be with you as go through this difficult time.
Samantha Kintzle
April 18, 2012
Jim, your courage and leadership has inspired all of us. Kayla has been my best friend (and beloved neighbor) since we first met and I have seen her character grow and strengthen so much because of you. We have all watched your family become so close in love and faith over the years--you will be forever missed.
Nelson Shulenberger
April 18, 2012
Cherish, Amy, Kayla, Drew and Allie
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It has been to long since I have really known Jim. He is one of the truly best human beings I have ever known.
Love and prayers are with you all.
The Shulengerger family: Nelson, Kelly, John Luke and Jaxon.
April 18, 2012
Amy - So sorry for the loss of your brother. Thinking of you and your family during this hard time. You have my sympathy.
Jill (Joynt) Melick
April 18, 2012
The Central Campus Broadcasting and Film students and staff extend our greatest sympathy during your time of loss. We are thinking of your entire family and wish you all the best.
April 18, 2012
I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the Parker family. I have fond memories of Jim and all of you from our Hoover days.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Jim Parker's name
Memorial Events
for Jim Parker
How to support Jim's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jim Parker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
