Captain James A. Parkhurst, 89, lifelong resident of Orange passed away at his home Thursday, March 17, 2016.
A graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 20, 2016 at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens near Bridge City. Officiating will be Reverend Randy Branch of Wesley United Methodist Church in Orange.
A visitation will be Saturday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.
Mr. Parkhurst was born December 25, 1926 in Orange to Fred Elmer and Katie (Soileau) Parkhurst. He retired from Gulf Oil after 33 years of service where he was the captain of an oil tanker. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Orange and Bridge City Lodge 1345 AF & AM. His greatest joy was taking care of and entertaining his grandchildren.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, James and Linda Parkhurst, Jr., John Parkhurst, Toni and Kenneth Day, Lisa and David Haynes, Nancy Johnston and Blakely Parkhurst; grandchildren, Faith and Jerry Ricks, Taryn and Josh Moore, Kathryn LeBlanc and Daniel Smith and great grandchildren, Griffin Ricks, Kason Ricks, Taylor Nagel, Jackson Nagel and Konner Quigley.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Sandy Parkhurst; brothers, Clarence Parkhurst and Elmer Parkhurst and sisters, Cornelia Riser and Helen Berryhill.
Condolences
Mary Broom Morgan
March 25, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of James' family - but especially to Toni, Lisa and Blakely, whom I know personally. We had a great skiing trip with their Mom, Sandy, in Keystone, Co a number of years ago. It was fun getting to know the girls. And James and Sandy came to Brenham to visit us some time ago. If I remember correctly, they were married at our home in Roselawn - I still have the bride and groom topper for the wedding cake. Lots of wonderful memories. Love, Mary Broom Morgan "Ps. 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble". Keep your eyes on our Lord.
Verna Prince Pratt
March 23, 2016
If you receive this twice it's because I just hit a computer glitch, lost all my message, and am starting over. None of you know me, but my parents, Vernest and Mae Prince had a lifelong close relationship with Hazel and Clarence -- lived next door to them on 11th St for a while. I can't remember all the connections but across the street was Mrs. McConnell and occasionally Uncle Johnny would come to town and entertain us with his fiddle playing. I remember when the beautiful Shirley was born (when I was about 10). My older sister, Charlcie, kept in touch with her for many years, and we both have a number of pictures of her. Shirley also kept up with our parents, and later our dad after our Mom died. I remember a week-end camping trip before Shirley was born, when we four and Hazel and Clarence went to the sandy beach at Cow Creek. All the adult bathing suits were black and the men's bathing suits were 1 piece - meaning with shoulder straps. At the age of 5 I was allowed to wear a red, white and blue one. I still have pics from that trip, sleeping under mosquito nets. I remember when the senior Mr. Parkhurst was my maternal grandmother's landlord in a house on Park Ave and 3rd. At that time the senior Parkhurst house was on 10th and Main, I believe. Seeing Jimmy's obituary just brought up so many memories, and I wanted to send my condolences and let you all know how close the Princes and Parkhursts were at one time. Charlcie and I didn't live in Orange after our respective college days, except for her teaching at Anderson and then Tilley Elementary schools for a few years. But Orange is still home to me. Verna Prince Pratt
Nathan Merritt
March 19, 2016
My deepest heartfelt condolences to all the family, friends, and loved ones of Captain Parkhurst. I pray God gives each of you strength and comfort at this time and all the days to follow.
Anonymous
March 18, 2016
Lily and Rose Tribute Spray was purchased for the family of James A. Parkhurst.
Anonymous
March 18, 2016
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of James A. Parkhurst.