James Parrent Jr.

James Edward Parrent Jr., born on his father’s 30th birthday, October 25, 1955, died peacefully at VNA Charlier Hospice on Thursday, January 13, 2011. Mr. Parrent attended Washington University and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Southern Illinois University in printmaking and drawing. He taught drawing and design at the University of Southern Indiana for many years. Mr. Parrent was deeply connected to nature and owned James Parrent Garden Design for the past ten years. Among his favorite projects were the Lenz House Garden in New Harmony, which is owned by the Colonial Dames in the State of Indiana, and the grounds of Willard Library in Evansville. He previously worked with Jane Owen at the gardens of Red Geranium Enterprises in New Harmony. He specialized in heritage vegetables and flowers and has a vast collection of antique tools and books, with an emphasis on French parterre style. Mr. Parrent’s avocation was fly-fishing, which he enjoyed regularly. His favorite authors were John McPhee and Ted Leeson. He also played guitar and walked eight miles each day near his home in Posey County. Surviving Mr. Parrent are his wife of 25 years, Connie A. Weinzapfel and their son, Andrei Weinzapfel Parrent; his mother Barbara D. Parrent; his sister Julie Engler and her husband Brian; father and mother-in-law Harold and Roselle Weinzapfel; brother-in-law Stan Weinzapfel and his wife Tami; an aunt, Betty Simms; and cousins Jill Steinmetz and Michael Simms. Predeceasing Mr. Parrent were his father, James Parrent in 2001; and an infant sister Deborah. The family wishes to thank Visiting Nurse Association’s John Collins for his friendship and wisdom and the staff of VNA Charlier Hospice Center for their kindness. A gathering in celebration of Jim’s life will be from 2:00 to 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, January 16, 2011 at Pierre Funeral, 2601 W. Franklin Street. A special remembrance will be held at 5:00 P.M. with Deacon Joseph Stofleth officiating. There will be a private interment at St. Philip Catholic Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Trout Unlimited/Parrent Memorial Gifts, 1300 N. 17th Street, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22209.

James Parrent Jr.

October 25, 1955 - January 13, 2011