James Richard Parks, Sr., 65 of Fairbury, died at 11:42pm, Friday, July 12, 2019 at his residence in Fairbury.

Cremation rites have been accorded.  There will be a big ass party at his home on Saturday, July 20, 2019 to celebrate his life.  Memorials may be made to the Family of James Parks, Sr. or to St. Christopher Trucker's Relief Fund, 9217 Park West Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37923.

James was born September 11, 1953 in Joliet, a son of Robert Leroy and Florence Selby Parks.  He married Karon Ward on October 15, 1972.  She survives in Fairbury.

Other survivors include their children, Robert William "Buddy" Parks of LaMarque, TX, Jean Anne Champlain of Bloomington, Laura Kay King of Rantoul, James Richard (Shanelle) Parks Jr. of Mentone, CA, Elizabeth Sharon Parks of Fairbury, Davie Jo (Matt) Stabe of Round Lake Park, IL; 15 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; siblings, Laura (Bill Marchment) Parks of Potomac, Robert (Janie Gibson) Parks of Shelbyville, Tom (Judy) Parks of Fairbury, Patti (Steve) Hitchcock of Espyville, PA.

James served in the US Navy in 1971.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 54 and the Owner-Operator Independent Driver's Association.