James Vincent Parks

James Vincent Parks passed away at Providence Park Hospital in Novi on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at the age of 90. Jim was born in Ferndale Michigan the son of James and Eva ( nee Schutz ) Parks. He attended St. James Catholic Schools in Ferndale, the University of Detroit High School and he received his B.A. from the University of Detroit after his wartime service with the United States Army from 1942 till 1945. He saw combat during the Battle of the Bulge in December of 1944 serving in a communication detachment. After his wartime service and completion of his education he went to work for Ford Motor in the capacity of an engineer. Jim was an avid birder, enjoying during his entire life the beauty of birds. Wherever he resided bird feeders were always present. He also enjoyed photography, music and riding his tractor cutting his grass. The family resided in Plymouth from 1954 thru 1976 and when M-14 was built thru his property the family moved to Farmington. Later in life he resided in Stanwood, Michigan. In 2011 he lost his wife, Elizabeth, of 59 years. Jim is survived by is children James W. ( Terri ) Parks, Sheila M. ( Mitchell ) Holly, Maureen E. ( Keith ) Carmickle, Thomas ( Karen ) Parks, John ( Mary Patricia ) Parks and the late Michael T. Parks. Also surviving are his grandchildren Jennifer Lynn ( Daryll ) Watts, Kimberly A. ( Derek A. Wright ) Holly, Mitchell R. ( Sarah ) Holly, Jr., Leah M. ( David Latosinski ) Parks, Stephen A. Carmickle, Michael J. Parks, Matthew J. Holly and Shaina C. Parks. Great grandchildren Christian A. Martin, Kylie A. Watts, Michael J. Martin, Zachary A. Martin, Brendan S. Barrett, Dayton C. Kraiger, Jazmyne R. Holly, Olivia M. Latosinski, Lillian M. Watts, Aurora M. Holly and Derek A. Wright, Jr. Brother of Sister Margaret ( Peg ) Parks and the late Richard Parks. Visitation will be held at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth on Monday, December 15, 2014 from 1 pm until 9 pm. Visitation will continue on Tuesday from 10 am until the time of the funeral mass at 10:30 am at Holy Family Catholic Church 24505 Meadowbrook, Novi, Michigan. He will be laid to rest beside his wife and son Michael at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.