Obituary of James Paul Parker

Age 63, passed away at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA on Monday, December 14, 2020. Paul was born in Lyons NY, son of the late James P. and Ethel Larkin Parker. He was also predeceased by his sister Charlotte Parker. Paul is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer L. Parker and Donald Stark of Poughkeepsie, NY with their children Maryclare, Zeno and Fredi Parker-Stark; sons and daughters-in-law, Joshua P. and Michele Parker of Horseheads with their daughters Alyssa, Haylee and Olivia Parker ….. Benjamin J. and Amanda Parker of Springwater, NY with their children Lucas and Zoey; siblings James (Donna) Parker, Vern (Nancy) Parker, Thomas (Judy) Parker, Julie Garrison, and Stephanie (Steve) Lund. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Paul married at a young age to Carol Springer. Soon after he finished his Associate's Degree at Finger Lakes Community College in Natural Resources Conservation. It was here that he embraced his love of the outdoors and nature, which was important to him throughout his life. Paul worked as a wastewater treatment operator for many years at Kodak in Rochester, NY. Although he had owned numerous motorcycles since he was a teen, in the early 1990s he was finally able to purchase the Harley Davidson of his dreams. He was a part of the local HOG and AMA chapters and could regularly be found on weekend charity runs and joy rides with friends. These trips all contributed to his lifetime achievement of riding over 180,000 miles. Also, during this time, Paul was able to showcase his musical talents as the harmonica player for the band Aldis and the Blue Cats. He then transitioned as the sole business owner of South Shore Wood Products where he specialized in cabinet making and carpentry. Paul also went to school to become a CDL truck driver, fulfilling a childhood aspiration. Due to his declining health, he was forced into an early retirement. But he was able to spend more time with his grandchildren and focus on newfound interests, such as biking as many as 30 miles a day along the rail trails, driving RC vehicles, and building model vehicles. The common denominator in all of Paul's endeavours was that he loved being around people and always sought companionship. He took great pride in his family and friendships; he was the happiest when around others. Paul will be remembered as the life of the party, whether it was at a bar or a birthday celebration for a grandchild. Family and friends are invited to call at McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira, on Friday, December 18, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Covid-19 protocol will be followed at the funeral home with face masks and social distancing required. Those wishing to remember Paul may make a donation in his memory to Rails to Trails Conservancy.