James L. Parsons Sr.

James L. Parsons, of Glenwood, Maryland, passed away on December 27th surrounded by his adoring family.

Born October 13, 1929, in Washington, D.C., he attended Phoebe Hearst Elementary School, Alice Deal Middle School, and Woodrow Wilson High School.  Before attending college, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  He then attended and graduated from the University of Maryland, where he played football on the 1953 National Championship team.

While his football career would end at Maryland, in his college sweetheart, Allison he discovered the finest of compensation. Married in the winter of 1957, they shared 67 years of love and companionship.  In all their years, he never ceased to be amazed by his good fortune of having found such a wonderful partner.  Theirs was a bond of mutual admiration; a rare and beautiful connection not often found in anyone’s lifetime.

After college, he went to work for the family business at Francis & Parsons Dodge in Washington, D.C. This was followed by a second career at Unisys, where he worked for most of his working years in computer programming.  He ended his career in the Sargeant of Arms Office of the U.S. Senate where he worked as a programmer.

In life Jim had a love of sports such as golf, tennis, and body surfing.  He loved competition, and the art of mastering new skills.  He was always quick with a joke, had an infectious sense of humor, and was known to break into song at any moment, so much was his love of music.  But of all his passions and achievements, his family was the one he most treasured.  He relished raising his 6 children and worked tirelessly to provide for them in every way.  Far beyond just providing practical advice or guidance, he showed his children how to live with honor.  His emphasis on respect and doing the right thing-even if it might go unnoticed- spoke of his deep moral conviction.  He never conceded the work of acting with integrity, no matter the outcome.   Through this, he didn’t just have a family, he made one.

In his later years Jim became more concerned about the future of our world.   He worried that the ensuing generation would face unprecedented challenges to their integrity.  if a man’s worth is measured by the magnitude of his legacy, then Jim’s legacy speaks for itself.  He has imbued a generation of family members with his same sense of decency and kindness and virtue.  For this we are forever thankful.  We revere you, we love you, and we wish you ever the best!

Jim is survived by his loving wife Allison, and their six children Lynn, Jim Jr. (Toni), John (Katie) of Bear Creek, PA, Mike (Colleen), Tim, and Laura Parsons-Wandell (Doug) and their twelve grandchildren Connor, Julia (Isak), Natalie, Matt, Paige, Grace, Gillian, Dean, Jay, Gage, Kerri, and Daniel.

Memorial contributions can be made in Jim’s memory to Gilchrist Cares Hospice .,11311 McCormick Road, Suite 350 Hunt Valley Maryland 21031.