Our sympathy is extended to the family of James Keith Parker

I have fought The Good Fight.

I have finished the Race.

Jim passed away July 4, 2025, after a long illness.

James Keith Parker was born on a farm in Hughes County near Wetumka, Oklahoma October 22, 1936. Jim moved to Ventura in 1959. He had worked in the oil fields in Oklahoma and started his life in Ventura working in the Oil Fields. After a short stay there he went to work for Taft Electric and became a Union member of I.B.E.W Local 952 where he progressed from journeyman to foreman, general foreman, superintendent, project manager. Jim studied ham radio, built his own transceiver, took the test at FCC in Los Angeles in 1964 and received his general class license. Jim went to night school at Ventura College and received his AA degree and teaching credentials in 1964. He taught the union electrical apprentice classes at Ventura Jr. College for 8 years. He was also acting chairman for Ventura County I.B.E.W. Local Union 952 Joint Apprenticeship Committee Employer representative for ten years. In 1971 Jim began training as a pilot to deliver material, documents and other necessary items for Taft Electric. Taft purchased a Cessna 210 aircraft and Jim began training as a pilot. He completed the FAA requirements and received private and commercial licenses with multi engine, instrument and instructor ratings. He worked evenings and weekends as flying instructor and performed FAA required flight checks for pilots to main tain their licenses. Jim was a full or part time advisory committee member for several associations, such as Ventura County Contractors, Associated General Contractors, and Ventura College Advisory committee.

Jim decided to learn Spanish as he had several employees and friends that spoke mostly Spanish. He completed all of the Spanish classes available at Ventura College including a program that permits you to live with a family in Cuernavaca Mexico while attending classes taught by native speakers. He then organized a weekly group to continue Spanish classes. This is a brief and partial synopsis of Jim’s working life. After retirement Jim spent time gardening, fixing up the home, continuing his education through DVD’s from Great Courses, walking miles every day and always helping friends and family with any projects they had. He spoke often of the good memories from his years at Taft Electric.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; Jewel and Mary Isabel Parker of Ventura and two brothers; Nathan Parker and Jann Parker of Wetumka Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife, Joy, two daughters Belinda/BK (Dennis) Zielke, Cheryl Curtiss, Stepson, Gregory Stolen, Sister, Peggy Edwards of South Carolina, Granddaughter, Shea (Mark) Gomez, Grandson Seth Zielke (Kerry), two great-granddaughters, Mollie and Claire Zielke, and great grandson, Blake Gomez and many nieces and nephews.

His wish was to be cremated with no services. Jim and his wonderful sense of humor will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.