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.
Condolences(19)-
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Anne C Woolfolk says
August 17, 2023 at 3:02 pmMy thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of need.
Erica Gay Paul says
August 21, 2023 at 8:07 pmOn behalf of the Gay Family, I extend deep heart felt sympathy to Mrs. Parrish, Mrs. Urquhart, Melissa and Kelly. James Parrish, who I knew as Ruff long before we worked for NPS, was a gentle, kind spirit who will be sorely missed, but not forgotten. Please reach out to Rex, Kim or me for any help in your time of need. We will keep all of you’re family in our prayers.
Ida Henson says
August 17, 2023 at 4:34 pmI am so sorry to hear about cousin Ruff. The memory of him and Bam riding their dart bikes all over the Haskins property seems like yesterday. My heart felt condolences go out to all.
Lucia Powell Maury says
August 17, 2023 at 5:44 pmMy condolences to the family. James was a true friend.
Lucia Powell Maury says
August 17, 2023 at 5:47 pmMy condolences to the family. James was a true friend. He will be missed.
Jennette Robinson says
August 17, 2023 at 5:49 pmMy condolences to the family, let not your hearts be trouble
Lamont smallwood says
August 17, 2023 at 6:30 pmThe Smallwood’s. Send our condolences to the family remembering Mr.Parrish co-worker , brother ,and friend. You will be missed.
G.B. says
August 18, 2023 at 9:56 amcondolences to the family and friends of James. going to miss seeing him at NPS Facilities Maintenance.
Pamela Stephenson says
August 18, 2023 at 11:32 amMy Friend you will be truly missed. James you have always been a nice caring person. I will miss you. Keeping your family in my Prayers.
Valerie Renee Acevedo says
August 18, 2023 at 10:44 pmThe Acevedo’s send their deepest condolences to the family of James Parrish. You will be truly missed all. RIP James.
The Brockett Family, Virginia Beach, Va. says
August 19, 2023 at 1:15 pmSo sorry to hear of the passing of your Loved One. May God continue to Bless You and Your Family. Remember: To Be Absent From The Body Is Present With The LORD!!!!!!!
Also Weeping May Endure For A Night, But, Joy Cometh In The Morning.”
Mary A. Trotter of Jacksonville, Florida says
August 19, 2023 at 8:14 pmJames Parrish, was one of my co-worker’s at the Naval Aviation Depot in Norfolk, Virginia. I
was truly heartbroken when I heard that he had passed. He will definitely be missed.
My condolences to the family.
Marisa Powell says
August 19, 2023 at 9:18 pmIt’s funny how people are in your lives for a season but make a very significant mark. Even though he was my sister’s close friend in the early 90’s, he was a strong presence in my life as well. I can’t count the times he moved me in and out of dorms and apartments as well as attended my graduations during that time. His was also the first motorcycle on which I ever road. He really was like the big brother I wish I had. Though time and maturation caused us to drift and lose touch, I will always be grateful to know such a kind giving spirit. He will be missed!
Luther Eure Jr says
August 20, 2023 at 10:35 amMy condolences to the family, James will truly be missed by me. When I talk to James, it was something about him that made my day. He had a good spirit and we always asked about family. Rest in peace, my friend.
B. Williams says
August 21, 2023 at 12:42 pmSincere condolences and prayers to sister Dionne and the extended family during this time and every tomorrow. Always carry the spirit of your loved one within your heart and [he] will live in your appreciation of the daily “simple things of life.”
William Bryant says
August 21, 2023 at 2:41 pm8 -21-23 sending our condolences to our niece Dionne and family sorry we can’t be with you and the family due to sickness but our prayers go out to you.much love uncle Tony and family .
William Bryant says
August 21, 2023 at 2:43 pm8 -21-23 sending our condolences to our niece Dionne and family sorry we can’t be with you and the family due to sickness but our prayers go out to you.much love uncle Tony and family .Sorry that wasn’t me my first time on here.
Julian J Barlow III says
August 21, 2023 at 3:38 pmSending my deepest condolences and prayers for your loss. James was a proud man with integrity most desire! He will truly be missed.
Jesse & Deshonn Bell says
August 21, 2023 at 4:02 pmDionne,
We are sending words of comfort to you and the family during this difficult time! Our heartfelt thoughts are with you as the transitional process begins. We love you family!
God Bless! 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️
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