John Parsons

John Parsons Jr. On Monday, September 3, 2018 John Parsons died while surrounded by many family members belting out his high school fight song. John lived a full life and would have turned 90 on September 13th. Had he known that was a goal, no doubt he would have made it. He is survived by his wife Sharon Parsons, two sons, Eric Lundberg and Kyle Parsons and three daughters, Cathy Bettin, Lisa Kovac and Teresa Parsons McKenzie. He leaves 7 grandchildren, Rachelle McClure, Austin Kovac, Cameron Lundberg, Shane Lundberg, Max Parsons, Logan Parsons, Clay McKenzie and Claire McKenzie. John was born in Seattle, Washington to John Parsons Sr. and Ella Parsons. He had one brother, Wayne Parsons and one sister Ollie Parsons Westling, all of whom preceded him in death. He should have a good welcoming committee. He attended and played football for Queen Anne High School. Football was important to John, and he was a lifelong Ducks fan, due to his father’s legacy as a star running back for the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl in 1917, when he ran a 90 yard kick-off return. Penn failed to score any points against the Ducks and it was Oregon’s first Rose Bowl win. John joined the Marine Corps just before the end of World War II and served in Korea as a Sergeant, where he captained a landing craft. He earned many medals for his service and was always proud to have served. Upon returning from war, John landed in Eugene where his parents and sister resided. He took the civil service exam with a passing grade. Given the choice between Postman or Peace Officer, he chose the latter. It was a good decision, as the Eugene Police Department was where he met his first wife, Chris Bissell. They purchased a home near Amazon Park and had two children. John lost Chris to cancer and was left to raise two active toddlers. Being a wise man, he moved in with his parents and got some much needed assistance. A few years later John married his second wife, Sharon, and they combined into one family with 5 children. John was a brave man. He worked for the City of Eugene, protecting and aiding its citizens for 30 years. He worked up to Detective and retired as a Sergeant on the force. John lived in west Eugene with his family and enjoyed many pursuits. He was informed by the department at one point that he had gained too much weight; he needed to lose it or find other employment. John took on the challenge with gusto and ended up running 18 Marathon races all around the US including Hawaii. John truly was a Peace officer, and received commendation from the Eugene Police Department for stopping a woman intent on ending her life. He steadily worked to improve conditions in his community and made a habit of dropping off large turkeys at the Eugene Mission every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hard work deserves time off, and he enjoyed his leisure time too. He loved scuba diving, inland fishing and ocean fishing. His boat was called the SeaSix, an 18’ Sea Swirl. He built character and intestinal fortitude in his children by taking them fishing. Many a day was spent barfing over the side until “the tide was right,” which strangely coincided with the limit having been caught. When their children were grown, John and Sharon enjoyed extensive travel in a series of increasingly larger motor homes. They ran many 5 and 10K races together, running until it was physically no longer possible, and spent a very happy retirement together, attending home games and following the Ducks to Bowl Games. When John’s health declined and he was no longer able to stay at home, he moved to Churchill Estates where Sharon visited him daily for lunch. The family would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Churchill Estates staff in caring for John when his physical abilities declined. Thank You. A celebration of life will be held at Musgrove Funeral Home on September 13th, at 3pm. Those wishing to share fond memories of John are encouraged to attend. Remembrances may be made to the Eugene Mission.