James Albert "Boat Builder" Parker, Sr.

James “Boat Builder” Albert Parker Sr., 60, of Century, FL, born March 14, 1951 in Isola, MS, started primary school in New Orleans, LA, moved to Ocean Springs, MS at age eight, graduated class of 1969 from Ocean Springs High School, and later earned an A.A. Degree in Drafting and Design at Jackson County Jr. College. During his years in college, he met Margaret Toche whom became his wife on November 24, 1973. James enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing his guitars, surfing craigslist for bargains, riding his motorcycle, spending time on his tractor, raising Great Danes, and working on various creative projects. James worked with multiple construction companies on houses in Biloxi and Ocean Springs, and on building the Biloxi Back Bay Bridge. He also worked at an architectural firm, Alfa Optics, and shipyards in Biloxi and Ocean Springs; most recently, he worked at Patti Marine in Pensacola, FL for 30 plus years. He also served as a member of the Army National Guard for 8 years. James was saved by grace through faith, and his favorite verse was Romans 8:28. He will be remembered as a perfectionist, artist, musician, and teacher, but mostly for his warm disposition and generosity. He was one of four children born to Sally Parker and the late Clarence Welton Parker, Sr., and was the beloved husband of Margaret Toche for over thirty-seven years. He will forever be remembered by his devoted brother, Clarence Welton “CW” (Gaylynn) Parker Jr., loving sisters, Sally (Edmond “Nunu”) Duferne and Laurie (John) Porco, beloved children, James A. (Jennie) Parker Jr., Leslie R. (David) Eriksen, Joseph W. (Lydia) Parker, John W. Parker, treasured grandchildren, Carleigh Buck, KieLur Parker, Jacob, Jamie, and Jaclynn Caddell, Naomi, Joshua, and Ruth Eriksen, caring in-laws Joseph A. Toche, Sr., Sidney (Aurora) Toche, Joseph “Bubba” Toche (Annette Melerine), Sheila (Elwood) Landry, along with countless other family and friends whom were blessed to know him. James joined his heavenly family on August 20, 2011. James had a radical passion for Christ and lived a very happy and fulfilled life. Visitation 5-8pm Thursday, August 25, 2011 will be held at the Ocean Springs Chapel Bradford O’Keefe. Funeral service will begin at 8pm in the Funeral Home Chapel at Bradford O’Keefe. A Memorial Service will be held at East Brent Baptist Church, Pensacola, FL, Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 2pm. The burial will be held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to East Brent Baptist Church Ministries (eastbrent.com), and/or Autism Speaks (autismspeaks.org).