James Martin Parker, 69, of Columbia passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023.
He was born on Dec. 28, 1953, to Lawrence and Idelia (Shockley) Parker in Jefferson City.
James was a 1973 graduate of Maries County R-1 in Vienna. He went on to attend Columbia College where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Art. Throughout the years James worked in several restaurants in Columbia, and his most recent employment was with Boone Hospital where he worked in laundry services.
James loved drawing and creating different forms of artwork. He also loved attending Bible studies and was very active in small group ministry through Christian Fellowship Church where he had been attending since 1973. One of James’ favorite projects was to create Christmas cards for sale to support the benevolence ministry of Christian Fellowship.
He was preceded in death by parents Lawrence and Idelia Parker.
James is survived by brothers, John Parker of San Diego, Calif., and Richard Parker (Karen) of Sedalia; and several cousins.
Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, at Christian Fellowship Church, 5045 Chapel Hill Rd., Columbia, which will be immediately followed by the funeral service. Burial will be held at Vienna Public Cemetery in Vienna, at approximately 2:30 p.m. following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Benevolence Fund at Christian Fellowship 5045 Chapel Hill Rd., Columbia, Mo. 65203.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia.
