James Anthony Parrish, affectionately known as “Ruff”, departed this life peacefully on Monday, August 14, 2023, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital at the age of 61. He was born in Mecklenburg County, VA on March 04, 1962, to the late James Garland and Marie Haskins Parrish.
At an early age, James was baptized and joined Bluestone Baptist Church. He was a graduate of Bluestone High School in Skipwith, VA and furthered his education at Norfolk State University. Upon relocating to the Tidewater area, James regularly attended New Saint John AME Church in Virginia Beach with his wife. James had an enduring love for the Lord, and regularly read and shared the daily devotional, “Our Daily Bread.”
James held various positions in the Tidewater area; he worked for Norfolk Naval Base and Lowes for many years. He was a hard worker with a strong work ethic, as he always strived to do everything to the best of his ability. He eventually gained employment with Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) where he proudly served the Facilities Management department for 25 dedicated years. It was at NPS, where James met his wife, Dionne. The two met in her kindergarten classroom and have been married for 21 years. Though no children were born of this union, James and Dionne have been loving mentors and godparents to Omar, Ebony, Elijah and Ivory.
James believed in living a simple life of honesty, hard work and authenticity. With an innate talent for tinkering, James’ hobbies included rebuilding and repairing bicycles, farm equipment and doing small jobs for his family. James loved motorcycles and was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed bushhogging, and in his younger years riding dirt bikes and his beloved Yamaha 3 -wheeler. He appreciated the small joys in life, as he loved get-togethers with family where there was constant joking, reminiscing, and sharing a good meal. James’ departure will leave a void that cannot be filled but his legacy of hard work and a simple life will be remembered by all those who loved him.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his beloved uncles, Robert L. Parrish and Charlie Haskins, Jr. and aunt, Helen Haskins.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Dionne D. Parrish; three aunts, Mary Urquhart, Alma Nelson (McDonald) and Margaret Mosley (Willie); his loving niece, Gabriella Foreman; devoted cousins raised as brothers, Anthony Clark, Charlie Haskins, III, and Robert Smyre; his mother and father-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Aldred Foreman Sr.; his brother-in-law, Aldred Foreman Jr.(Taletha); his longtime devoted friend and former co-worker, David Guard, his church family, and a host of other loving cousins and friends.
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