James R. "Jim" Parks

James R. “Jim” Parks, 85, of Pomona, Kansas, passed away Saturday, July 1, 2017, at Brookside Retirement Community, Overbrook. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, July 6, 2017, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Mr. Parks will lie in state from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at the mortuary. Private family interment Woodlawn Cemetery, Pomona. Jim was born Friday, August 14, 1931, in Pomona, Kansas, the son of Vernon W. and Elizabeth May (Kuebler) Parks. He was a near lifelong Pomona resident. He graduated from Pomona High School with the class of 1949 and continued his education at Kansas State University graduating in 1953 with a bachelor of science in animal husbandry. Jim was united in marriage to Katherine Jane Gilmore December 31, 1951, at Ottawa, Kansas. She preceded him in death October 31, 1998. He was also preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, John Vernon Parks and Lenoel Edward Parks. Survivors include his five children, David Parks of Wellsville, Katherine Addington of Tecumseh, Dennis Parks and wife Susan of Burlington, Brian Parks and wife Sherri of Wichita and Elizabeth Anne Giffin and husband Kim of Pomona; ten grandchildren; and several great grandchildren. He was a lifelong farmer and stockman. He was the former president of West Franklin USD 287 school board. Jim always enjoyed caring for his animals, loved being with his family and grandchildren and attending senior events. The family suggests memorial contributions to Brookside Retirement Community or Great Lakes Hospice c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Jim’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com