James Cleveland Parkes

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE:SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 20151:00 P. M. MCCLAIN-HAYS CHAPELVISITATION:  SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 201511:00 A. M. UNTIL SERVICE TIMEOFFICIATING: BRO. JOHN ODOMJames Cleveland Parkes, a life-long resident of Philadelphia, MS, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2015 at home surrounded by his family. Cleveland was born June 2, 1920, in Madden, MS. He attended Philadelphia High School, an avid sportsman he played basketball, baseball and football. During his summers he played on a city softball team and was a left-handed pitcher, thus obtaining his nickname “Lefty.” After graduation, he attended Mississippi College for one year on a football scholarship before being drafted by the U.S. Armed Forces. He served his country proudly in the Pacific during World War II and later served as full time employee of the Mississippi National Guard for 30 years as a CW4 Officer. He married his sweetheart, Georgia Beery, on Feb. 3, 1946 and together they raised their five children at their home on Byrd Avenue. He was a very patriotic man; loved his family, country and his Lord Jesus. Many joked that Cleveland never met a stranger, and his exceptional spirit was contagious to everyone who knew him. He had a beautiful voice and was known for his love of singing (even if he had to make up a few words along the way). Cleveland was a dedicated citizen of Philadelphia, as he served on the Philadelphia Board of Utilities for multiple terms and one term on the city Board of Aldermen. He retired from the Mississippi National Guard in 1983 and spent his later years singing on the road while driving a semi-trailer truck. He was a tremendous supporter of Philadelphia High School athletics, Neshoba County athletics and Ole Miss football, having a son who played for the Rebels from 1965-68. After moving to Starkville in the final years of his life to be closer to family caregivers, he was on his way to being converted to a Mississippi State Bulldog fan, which became a topic of family jokes and rivalry. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Georgia Beery Parkes, sister Louise Parkes Green (age 99) and five children, Jim (Leslie) Parkes of Westcliffe, CO, Diane Allison of Nashville, TN, Alan (Cheryl) Parkes of Philadelphia, Joy (Perry) Willis of Starkville, and Deree (Jody) Webb of Starkville. Together they have 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, all who called him “Pappy.” Cleveland was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gertie Parkes, and his sisters Evelyn Parkes Russell and Catherine Parkes Leigh. He was such a “Happy Pappy,” and he will be missed every day by his family. Memorials may be made to those of your choice. He had a great love for the ministry of French Camp Academy and supported them faithfully throughout his life.