James Edward Parham

James E. Parham, born September 24, 1931, went to be with the Lord on October 17, 2021. James leaves behind his wife of nearly 70 years, Virginia; three sons, Dean, Gary, and Kevin; four grandchildren, Joel, Jared, Jordan, and Kendra; four great-grandchildren, Halli, Freya, Rowan, and Griffin. James was preceded to Heaven by his father Burley, Mother Dottie, Sister Helen, and son Rex.

James met his future wife, Virginia, at Berean Baptist Church and started dating her in June 1951. After a whirlwind courtship, they got married on November 30, 1951, and were happily married one month short of 70 years. James was drafted into the Army on January 22, 1952, and served in the Korean war until January 18, 1954. Upon return to civilian life, James worked for Allison as a draftsman. While working at Allison James got an entrepreneur bug and started a printing business on the side from his home. In 1965, James quit Allison and started his own Christian bookstore, Star Christian Supply, in Beech Grove, Indiana. After operating the bookstore for nearly 50 years, James and Virginia retired and sold the business to their oldest son, Dean.

In retirement, James went back to his roots of running a print shop by self-publishing over 100 books combining his love of photography with his love of the Bible. James gave copies of those books to family and friends who still cherish his creativity to this day.

James was a kind soul who touched many lives during his time on earth and will be sorely missed until the time that we all can once again spend time together enjoying his fellowship.

Service for James will be 3:00 p.m., Friday, October 22, 2021 at Indianapolis Baptist Temple, 4002 East Southport Road, Indianapolis, Indiana with calling from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of service. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Greenwood, Indiana.

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