James Emmett Parks

James Emmett Parks passed away on May 14, 2025 while peacefully sleeping at the age of 94. He was born on March 9, 1931 in Portsmouth, Ohio, son of Harold N. and Martha Gammon Parks. When he was 16 (1947) he went to work for Northwestern Steel and Wire Company. He joined the Navy and served in the Korean War. 

He married Virginia Lee Finders on March 10, 1952. They were married for 47 years and had 3 sons, Ernie, David, and Barry, 7 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. 

He worked for NWS&W for 37 years, retiring in 1984 when he was 53 years old. He was an avid boater and skier, spending many hours with his family on the Rock River.

After retirement, he became a member/Captain for the Clinton Power Squadron, President for the local Aid Association for Lutherans, and spent a great deal of time woodworking and square dancing with Virginia. 

He married Erma Seidel Parks on December 29, 2000. 

They spent winters in Zephyr Hills, FL. and summers at “The Caribbean on the Rock” in Rock Falls, IL. They lived in Colorado Springs, CO. with Erma’s daughter, Jennifer Gonzalez and family for the past 4 years.

The family of James Parks requests that in lieu of flowers donations may be made in his honor to the Wounded Warriors Project.