James O. Parsons

Our dear father, James O. Parsons, joined the Lord on October 31, 2024, at the age of 85. He was a wonderful father and husband who was always there when we needed him, offering support, wisdom, and love to his family and friends. He was a cherished member of Mill Creek Baptist Church where he served as deacon and trustee. He was well known in his community, leaving a legacy of kindness and willingness to help whoever needed it. He loved welding, fishing, caring for his farm, and helping his neighbors and friends with various projects. He enjoyed fixing all kinds of things and was the best problem-solver around. He was an all-around great auto, truck and diesel mechanic, and was known as one of the best welders in West Virginia. He honed his skills as a young man while working in his uncle Edwin’s auto repair garage then onto servicing diesel trucks at J&J Truckstop in Fairplain. After working in Charleston for a few years at Goodrich-Gulf Chemicals, he started with Kaiser Aluminum during the mid-1960’s in Ravenswood and worked himself into the skilled position of millwright. James retired from the aluminum plant around the turn of the century and then stayed busy with his own auto, truck and diesel repair business. When he wasn’t in his garage tearing down an engine, his most favorite thing was to be in the mountains trout fishing and camping with his wife, Ruth, at every opportunity.

J.O., as many knew him, was born October 4, 1939 to the late Russell Hyre Parsons and Bertha Mae Lyons. He was predeceased by his wife, Naomi Ruth Parsons, who died this past July 19. He leaves behind daughters Pam Acree (son-in-law Mike Acree) and Valerie Wilkerson (son-in-law Mark Wilkerson) along with five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Saturday, Nov. 2 at 1:00 pm, Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley, WV with the funeral following at 2:00 pm and burial at Pine Hill Cemetery in Ripley, WV. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org.