Born: January 20,1931, in Many Islands, ArkansasDied: December 31, 2021, in Katy, TexasBefore “first responder” became a popular term, James (Jim) Parker epitomized one. A volunteer fireman for over 50 years, he was chief of the Acton Volunteer Fire Department. He was elected President of the Indiana Volunteer Firemen’s Association and traveled the state many times over the years visiting local fire departments and districts. Along the way, Jim received many awards and accolades including the Sagamore of the Wabash from Governor Robert Orr in 1985, Mr. IVFA in 1989, the Ivan Nevil Fire Service Leadership Award in 2012, and the President’s Award in 2013.Concurrently Jim had a 38-year career with RCA that featured many positions in the Quality organization of the record/tape divisions. He reached the level of plant quality manager in Indianapolis but also helped RCA facilities in London and New York/New Jersey.Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years – Barbara, his parents, and his two sisters. His legacy is passed to his three children – Lyn (Denny), Jim (Kathi), and Mike; grandchildren – Rich, Scott, Charity, Rebekah (deceased), Rachel, Stephen, and Sean; twelve great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. He was proud of each of them and zealously protected them.Jovial to the very end of his long life, Jim was an avid reader, loved watching westerns on TV, enjoyed sports and politics, dispensed advice frequently especially with regards to wood-working and home repairs, and never passed an opportunity to solve a crossword puzzle. Fishing and hunting were sources of great joy throughout Jim’s life.Our loss is heaven’s gain – Jim and Barb are reunited and once again complete.A memorial service will be held Saturday, 29 January 2022 at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Home, 5950 E. Thompson Road, Indianapolis, IN. 46237. Visitation from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. with the service to begin at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made to the Indiana Volunteer Firemen’s Association Scholarship Fund.