James Edgar Parrish

James Edgar Parrish, 85, of Dewey, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at his home. James was born August 19, 1938, in Horatio, Arkansas, to John and Willie (Kesterson) Parrish. He graduated high school in Enloe, Texas, and then joined the National Guard, serving from 1955-1958. James moved to Texas and went to work in the cotton fields where he met his wife, Betty. In 1958, they moved from Texas to Silex, Missouri, where he worked crushing rock. He also worked for various farmers hauling hay, cattle and logs. In the early sixties, he began working at Harbison Walker, a brick plant in Vandalia, Missouri. He later worked at Hercules Chemical plant, driving a truck. In 1966, he started to work for Uregas and was plant manager in Winfield, MO. In 1973, he was promoted to District Manager and transferred to Eureka, Missouri. In 1975, he became regional manager and moved to Springfield. James and Betty owned the Eolia True Value Hardware store in Eolia, Missouri, from 1976 to 1995. James co-owned Action Communications from 2007 until his death. James was saved in March 1973 and sanctified in April 1983. He was called into the ministry and pastored churches in Whiteside, Missouri, Vandalia, Missouri, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and Barnsdall, Oklahoma, until his health declined. He loved fishing, hunting, gardening, and other outdoor activities. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. James is survived by his wife, Betty, of 67 loving years; three children, Patricia Hollenbeck of Bartlesville, Belinda Ellsworth and husband Larry of Eolia, Missouri, and Jim Parrish and wife Sarah of Barnsdall; four grandchildren, Ardie Ellsworth of Bowling Green, Missouri, Jesse Ellsworth of Warrenton, Missouri, David Jackson and wife Jessica of Andover, Kansas, and Stephanie Holden and husband Larry of Pawhuska; 17 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren and his brother, Thomas (Sammye) Parrish. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Nathan Jackson; brothers, Donald Parrish, and Doyle Parrish; sister, Margarite Clayton; and 3 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to help cover funeral expenses. James’ family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel, 4201 Nowata Road, Bartlesville, OK 74006, 918-333-7665. Visitation will also be held from 10-8 that same day. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 10, at Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel with Reverend Sammy Lorton and Reverend Jerry Schenck officiating. Interment will be held at Eolia Cemetery in Eolia, Missouri. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

James Edgar Parrish

August 19, 1938 - January 7, 2024