James Butchin Parkman

James Butchin Parkman, 91, of Monticello, passed away March 30, 2024, at Lawrence County Nursing Center in Monticello. He was born Jan. 27, 1933, in Lawrence.

Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. until the funeral service at 3, Tuesday, April 2, at Arm Baptist Church, 2151 Highway 43, Silver Creek. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Bro. Eddie Dempsey will officiate. Wilson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

James worked at the paper mill for over 30 years. He enlisted Aug. 3, 1950, into the U.S. Army. He was private first class at the young age of 17. He had to get a consent letter from his mother allowing him to enlist.  He was very proud of his service time, which included two tours in Japan and Korea, where he fought in the Korean War. He loved to read history books, word puzzles, and watching Gunsmoke and Bonanza. He loved his kids and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by first wife, Doris Parkman; his son, Richard Todd Parkman; daughter, Kathy Gail Parkman; father, Thomas E. Smith; mother, Myrtis Viola Lowery Parkman; and brothers, Billy Joe Parkman and Lowery Parkman.

Survivors include his wife, Opal Parkman, of Monticello; son, Ricky Parkman (Machelle), of Cullman, Ala.; daughter, Donna Parkman Reaves (Phillip), of Cullman, Ala.; 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; brothers, John Estes Parkman, Jack Smith, Terrell Smith, Tom Smith, and Tony Smith; and sister, Opal Oliver.

Pallbearers will be Lance Parkman, Tyler Reaves, Paton Grisham, Hunter Smith, Gunner Smith, and Tyler Burt.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ricky Parkman and Phillip Reaves.