It seems like I have known Jimmy B. Parker forever. He is one of those friends you meet and know. One of those friends you can seek advice from, knowing all the while their words of encouragement are genuine.
One legacy given to us all are the many articles he contributed to the WIKI at familysearch.org. These articles include both his extensive knowledge and his keen genealogy research perspective.
They were written at the zenith of his genealogy career that spanned almost 50 years of direct experience: First seeking out genealogy resources to be filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah (now the Family History Library) and researching his own ancestry. Then researching the ancestry of others and teaching all that he learned to us at seminars, conferences, classes, and on BYU television.
Jimmy served as manager of the Family History Library for some 5 1/2 years, leaving his mark on the library. He was a principal professional genealogist at each Research Retreat sponsored by Family History Expos.
His eulogy included these words from Ralph Waldo Emerson:
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; [he had 14 children, 34 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren]
To earn the respect of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty and to find the best in others;
To leave the world a better place whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
To know that one life has breathed easier because you lived here.
This is to have succeeded.
Jimmy B. Parker will be missed. Your favorite genealogist, Arlene Eakle http://arleneeakle.com