James Nelson Parrish, 72, passed away on April 12, 2022 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.
He was born on August 18, 1949 in Great Barrington, the son of Robert R. Parrish and Lila H. Sinclair Parrish.
James attended Searles High School and Cornwall Academy, and enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After the war, he attended the University of Arizona in Tempe, where he pursued his love of history and conservation. His passions were local and American history, and he served on many local boards as an active and conscientious citizen.
He was a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge, serving as the Grand Master five times, as well as multiple other offices over the years. He was also a 30-year National Park Service employee. Both the Lodge and the Park Service were a second family to him.
James is survived by his sister, Rhoda Parrish Mott, of Great Barrington; his two nieces, Callie Greenhalgh of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and Augusta Mott of Fall River, Massachusetts; his great-nephew, Robert Greenhalgh; his aunt, Ethel P. Kotarba (100) of Avon, Connecticut; and his cousin, Robert E. Parrish, of Great Barrington. He is also survived by many beloved extended family members and friends.
Services: The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 from 4–6 p.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 10 a.m. at Finnerty & Stevens, and the burial will take place immediately following, at Elmwood Cemetery, 90 Stockbridge Rd., Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Masonic Fraternity Cincinnatus Lodge of Great Barrington, in care of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to the family, please visit the Finnerty & Stevens website.
