James E. Parker

James E. "Jim" Parker, 88, of Evansville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Heart to Heart Inpatient Hospice House. Jim was born on January 7, 1938, to Edna and Elmer Parker in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. A life-long optimist and handyman, Jim started his first business in grade school when he opened Jim’s Bicycle Repair out of the family garage in Watertown, Wisconsin. In 1955, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and received awards for being an expert marksman. After his service, he moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he met his best friend, Linda Ritzert Parker, on a blind date, and they married on February 23, 1963. Jim worked for many years at McDonnell Douglas, moving the family to Atlanta, St. Louis, and Bowling Green, Ohio before finally settling in Evansville, Indiana. He later worked in the financial planning field. In his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family, building furniture and birdhouses, spending time with his fellow Marine veteran friends, and volunteering for Honor Flight of Southern Indiana. Jim lived each day to the fullest. Some of his favorite things included working with power tools, reading history books, debating current events, listening to classical music, and watching Indiana and Purdue University games. Jim could find humor in most situations and never heard a joke that he wouldn’t tell. He appreciated a good meal but loved the experience of sharing a meal with family even more. Jim truly enjoyed being around people and rarely turned down an opportunity to meet new friends. Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Linda, and his three children and their spouses: Gretchen Parker (Daniel Gachotte), Catherine Parker (Scott Chinn), and Dan (Dina) Parker. He also survived by four grandchildren, Matthew Parker, Louis Gachotte, Emma Parker, and Camille Gachotte, as well his beloved Ritzert family brothers- and sisters-in-law (Doris Sanders, Evelyn Swartwout, David (Ruth) Ritzert, and Roy Ritzert), and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: Elmer Parker, Clark Parker, George Parker, Marion Mathison, and Marie Grainger. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Rev. Lowell Will officiating. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 until 7:00 PM on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street and from 9:30 AM until service time on Saturday at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 418 N. Wabash Avenue, Evansville, IN 47712. The family wishes to thank the staff of Newburgh Healthcare, Heart to Heart Hospice, and his niece, Tajana Arney, who all provided such kindness to him in his final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Honor Flight of Southern Indiana (https://honorflightsi.org) or Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation (https://www.htohhfoundation.org). You can also show your appreciation and love for Jim by reading a good book, waving to a stranger, or thanking a veteran – because that is what Jim would do. Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

James E. Parker

January 7, 1938 - April 9, 2026