James Parkinson

October 16, 1937 – March 11, 2021

James Melvin Parkinson, 83, of Blackfoot, Idaho, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2021, at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Pocatello.

James was born to Ray Parkinson and Lexie Virginia Sundstrum Parkinson in Pocatello, Idaho, on Oct. 16, 1937.

He grew up in Blackfoot, where he attended school, graduating with the second class in the new Blackfoot High School building.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force, and was stationed in France and England in the military police.

On Nov. 4, 1960, Jim married LaVerne Ellen Harris in Springfield, Idaho. They were later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple.

He worked for Basic American Foods for 33 years; 28 of those years were spent in the Moses Lake, Washington, plant. He also lived in Tyhee and Pingree.

Jim was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings, including branch president, high councilor and as bishop of the Moses Lake Third Ward.

He enjoyed restoring furniture, puzzles and cross stitching and loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports.

Jim is survived by his wife LaVerne Parkinson of Blackfoot; his children Ray M. (Wendy) Parkinson of Meridian, L. Troy (Tamara) Parkinson of Blackfoot, Becky Jo Clements of Idaho Falls, James Brian (Lorie) Parkinson of Spokane, Washingon and Traci Ann (Ryan) Wahlen of Aberdeen; siblings Robert Parkinson and Phyllis Nadene Morgan; 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by siblings Harold Parkinson, Rhoda Keele, Royal J. Parkinson, Faye Irene and Etta Pearlena Hill.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 19, 2021, at the Hawker Funeral Home. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service in the Riverside-Thomas Cemetery.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, those friends and loved ones who prefer to stay home can watch the service on a live broadcast. The service can be viewed at https://www.hawkerfuneralhome.com/page/broadcasting.