JAMES D. “Jim” PARKS
September 22, 1939 ~ March 14, 2011

James D. “Jim” Parks, age 71 of Park Rapids, MN passed away on Monday, March 14, 2011 at St. Josephs Area Hospital in Park Rapids, MN.
Jim was born on September 22, 1939 to Esther Long in Osage, MN. He was raised by Esther and Buster Long in Arago township north of Park Rapids where his family owned and operated the Arago Truck Stop. Jim attended Park Rapids High School. Upon completion of his schooling he ventured to Grand Marais, MN where he worked as a lumber jack. Jim then moved to Minneapolis where he gained employment with the Gold Medal Beverage Company. It was with good fortune that Jim happened to meet Barbara Miegel. The two became fast friends and on September 30, 1960 they were united in marriage. This union was blessed with three daughters: Debbie, Sandy, and Joan. They made their home in Mounds View, MN and later in South Haven, MN. Jim became a member of the Sheet Medal Local Union #10 which helped locate work for him. He was most recently employed by the Naegele Outdoor Advertising Company. In 1964, Jim and his family vacationed in the Black Hills of South Dakota; a place they would return to again and again. Jim fell in love with the buffalo. His fascination with this magnificent animal continued throughout his life. Jim and Barb were members of the Dry Riders Motorcycle Club in Moose Lake, MN. They enjoyed the many road trips taken with the Dry Riders. In 1986, Jim was in a motorcycle accident that left him with a physical disability. His spirit was strong and with the help of his family he continued to ride on a tricycle motorcycle. By their 25th wedding anniversary, Jim and Barb had visited 25 states. Jim enjoyed fishing and tried to share his love of the sport with his daughters. He had a special relationship with his dog, Hutch who kept him company when his family couldn’t be there. He loved the outdoors; especially when he could be deer hunting. He also enjoyed taking his family out to eat. Most of all, he treasured being with his family who he loved with all his heart.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Barb of Park Rapids; his father, Buster Long of Park Rapids; his 3 daughters: Debbie (Arnie Terwey) Reinert of St. Joseph, MN, Sandy (Brian) Ophus of Hutchinson, MN and Joan (Dan) Schmitz of Eden Valley, MN; 6 grandchildren: Craig (Tanya) Reinert, Randy (Tabitha) Reinert, Tony (Kate Henning) Smith, Marvin Schmitz, Robin (Josh) Heinz and Nicholas Schmitz; several great grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother and son-in-law, Ken Smith in 1994.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN with Reverend Lee Kantonen officiating. Special music will be: “Amazing Grace”, “On Eagle’s Wings” and “When I Get Where I’m Going”. Casketbearers will be: Tony Smith, Craig Reinert, Randy Reinert, Marvin Schmitz, Nicholas Schmitz and Brian Ophus. Honorary casketbearers will be: Robin Schmitz, Thomas Terwey and Ashley Terwey. Interment will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery in Park Rapids, MN. Military Honors will be provided by the Star of the North Marine Corp League under the direction of Dave Free. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the services at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home.