James W. Parker

Morrisville

Captain James Winford Parker, USNR-Retired, passed away peacefully at his home at the Manor on Wednesday May 18, 2016. He was born in Burlington, VT on May 24, 1927 to the late James W. and Anne (Beauchemin) Parker. Jim was 88 years old.

Jim graduated from Burlington High School class of 1944 and enlisted in the US Navy as a hospital corpsman, receiving honorable discharge from active duty in 1946 to continue college and join the US Naval Reserve. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Psychology from University of Vermont in 1949, Jim went on to earn his Master’s degree in Industrial Psychology and Statistics from North Carolina State, Raleigh, in 1952. Jim then began a long career in research at Tufts University, Medford, MA, and Personnel Research and Development Corporation (now PRADCO) and Western Reserve University, both in Cleveland, OH, where he also pursued post-graduate studies. In 1960, Jim moved to Niantic, CT, after accepting the position of Research Psychologist for the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory in New London where he would oversee dive research and pressurized submarine rescue simulations. Over the course of his civilian career, Jim authored or co-authored over 50 white papers, many of which were presented at national and international scientific conferences. Jim retired from NSMRL in 1989 and subsequently moved to Cambridge, VT, where he lived until 2012 upon moving to the Manor in Morrisville.

Concurrent with his civilian career, Jim served over 34 years in the Naval Reserve, retiring in 1982 with the rank of Captain. He was also a lifelong Mason with over 65 years of service, including terms as Worshipful Master of Washington Lodge #3 and Grand Senior Deacon to the Grand Lodge of VT. Jim was also a member of the Mary C. Burdick Chapter #6 Order of the Eastern Star and National Sojourner's Heroes of ‘76 in VT. He was also a Shriner, and he performed with the parade motorcycle units in both CT and VT. True to his love of aviation, Jim was an FAA licensed single engine pilot and ground instructor. He was a member of the Groton Navy Flying Club, RC Prop Busters Air Show Team and went on to judge national model and full-scale air shows. He also served many years as the Chairman of Departure Briefings for EAA’s massive air show, AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI. Jim was also an FCC licensed Amateur Radio Operator, Extra Class, using the call sign K1VII, and he served numerous roles in ham radio clubs in both CT and VT. He was also a deacon and board member at both the Niantic Community Church in CT and the Second Congregational Church of Jeffersonville, VT. He volunteered for the Town of East Lyme, CT, Civil Preparedness Department, was a board member of the East Lyme Public Library and East Lyme Rowing Association, and volunteered at Vermont Public Radio fund drives. He enjoyed singing tenor with both church choirs, the Cambridge Chorale, and the Manor Glee Club. Jim was also an avid bird, wildlife, and weather watcher, and he would frequently report his own personal weather data observations to local TV stations.

Jim is survived by his 2 daughters Alysson B. Parker of Medford, MA and Kirsten P. Sicuranza and her husband John of Old Lyme, CT, three grandchildren Dayna Cyr-Parker, Abigail Sicuranza, Andrew Sicuranza, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was also predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Andrea Parker, who shared Jim’s love of aviation, motorcycles, ham radio, and traveling by RV.

Per Jim’s wishes no visiting hours will be held. Funeral services will be held on Friday May 27, 2016 at 10:00 AM at the Second Congregational Church in Jeffersonville, VT. Memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the Masonic Charities of Vermont, Inc./CARE Program, Grand Lodge of Vermont, 49 East Road, Barre, VT 05641-5390 or to Vermont Public Radio. The family also invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.