James L Parrish

James L. Parrish, age 72, of Galesburg, Illinois; passed away 7:35 am on May 31, 2012 at the Marigold Rehab and Health Care Center in Galesburg, Illinois. Jim was born on June 12, 1939 in Oquawka, Illinois and is the son of Vanola and Opal Wood Parrish. He was raised in Oquawka, Illinois and attended Oquawka schools and G & O High School. Jim married Janet I. McOlgan on December 16, 1960 in Stronghurst, Illinois. She is surviving. Jim first began driving a truck at age 15 and drove for various trucking companies in the area for eighteen years. He then was employed by Gunther Construction in Galesburg, Illinois and during that time was promoted to supervisor of their Trucking Division. Overall he worked forty-one years for Gunther and retired in 2001. Jim is a member of the Oquawka Eagles Aerie and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Jim served a number of years on the Oquawka Village Board. In earlier years was active in Cub Scouts with his sons. Jim also was involved and interested in Dirt Track racing and was a member of the pit crew for Allen Tee. He was captain and coach of "The Top Ten" back yard volleyball team. Jim loved the game of golf and was a member of Lake Braken Country Club and enjoyed boating on the lake. He also enjoyed watching Humming birds and most loved his family and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Janet of Galesburg, Illinois and two sons Chad Parrish of Galva, Illinois and Shawn (Debbie) Parrish of Galesburg, Illinois. There are two granddaughters Renee Parrish of Abingdon, IL and Stephanie Parrish of Danville, Illinois. Jim is preceded in his death by his parents, and two sisters Rose Allard and Barbara Keever. Services:A funeral service will be on Monday June 4th at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka at 10:30 am. Interment will be in the Oquawka Cemetery. His family plans visitation on Sunday at the funeral home, with his family receiving friends from 2:00 to 4:00pm A memorial fund is being established for either the Marigold Alzhiemers Unit or the Lake Braken Fire Department.