James “Jim” Parke

Jim Parke, long time resident of Downey, ID, passed away unexpectedly from heart complications and returned to our Heavenly Father on Friday, October 30, 2015 at the age of 60. He was surrounded in his final hours by all of his loving family. He was born in Jerome, ID on October 27, 1955 to his parents Curtis and Dolores Parke. He married Kayleen Wilkins on August 24, 1978. He is survived by his wife (Kayleen), mother (Dolores), and 10 children; Brandon Parke, Cheri (Mark) Thiele, Becky (Brandon) Allen, Julie (Ryan) Hart, Emily (Jared) Price, Chad Parke, Tami (Waylan) Grantham, Travis (Katie) Parke, Rachelle (Aaron) Huff, Jonathan Parke, and 19 grandchildren. Jim was brother to Randy (Pat) Parke, Renee (Don) Fowler, Gary (Helen) Parke, Wayne (Risa) Parke, and Neil (Michelle) Parke. His father (Curtis), and his son, Robert Parke, preceded Jim in death.

He was a life long faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He continually loved learning about and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jim cherished working with the youth and serving others to the best of his abilities. Jim was devoted to the scouting program. He loved teaching the young men the values needed to one day become upright citizens, respectable husbands, and wholesome fathers. Jim was recently awarded the Silver Beaver for his immeasurable service to the Boy Scouts of America. He was the President of the Lions Club for many years and enjoyed serving the community. He has also served as the President of the Chamber of Commerce and is the owner of the Downey Food Center, where many saw him lend a generous hand for those standing in need. Jim always had a genuine smile on his face and stood as a pillar for those who needed a dependable man to lean on. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 4 at 12 noon in the Downey LDS Chapel. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday morning from 10:30-11:45 a.m. prior to the service.