James "Jimmy" Edwin Parker Sr.

James "Jimmy" Edwin Parker Sr., 88, of Morehead City, North Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh.

A memorial service to honor Jimmy’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, August 14th at First Baptist Church, officiated by Dr. Nate Leonard and Rev. Darryl Williams. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.

Jimmy was born on February 15, 1937, in Morganton, NC, to the late Melon and Georgia Parker. His family later moved to the Crystal Coast where he graduated from Morehead City High School with the Class of 1956. Jimmy continued his education and was proud of his alma mater, Appalachian State Teachers’ College, where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1960. Jimmy went on to receive his master’s degree from North Carolina State University.

Jimmy began his career in education at West Carteret High School, where he was not only an inspiring teacher but also a beloved football coach. Later, he became head coach at North Johnson High School in Micro, NC. After dedicating many years to nurturing young minds and athletes, Jimmy transitioned to a successful career in pharmaceutical sales, a field he thrived in for over 40 years before retirement.

Jimmy's love for the Lord was the cornerstone of his life. He was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and actively participated in several ministries, including Backpack Buddies for Kids, Martha’s Mission, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Brotherhood Men’s Ministry and the Baptist Handyman Ministry. His unwavering work ethic and commitment to helping others defined his character throughout his life.

In his leisure time, Jimmy enjoyed camping and boating adventures. In his earlier years he loved grilling steaks for his family every Saturday night. A devoted fan of the Carolina Tar Heels, he relished attending games, especially the Final Four, he was an enthusiastic member of the Carolina Rams Club and a faithful supporter of Appalachian State University.

Jimmy’s loving spirit and dedication to his family, faith, and community will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Lois Parker; sons, James Parker Jr. (Lisa) of Raleigh, NC and Jeff Parker (Laura) of Garner, NC; sister-in-law, Irene Parker of Pensacola, FL; grandson, Becton Olson Parker of Garner, NC; and nephew, Mike Parker (Marguerite) of Pensacola, FL.

In addition to his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Patsy and Willard Thorne; brothers, Tony Parker and Sonny Parker; and niece, Rose M. Scott.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church for either the Lighthouse Sunday School Class or the Backpack Ministry, 810 Bridges St., Morehead City, NC 28557.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC