James O. Parson

The Life of James O. Parson

SUNRISE: February 15, 1943 SUNSET: September 25, 2025

Mr. James Oliver Parson, 82, Surry, Virginia peacefully transitioned Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Riverside Specialty Hospital in Newport News, Virginia. James was born to the late Birt Parson and Alice Morton Parson on February 15, 1943. He attended Surry County Public Schools, graduating from L. P. Jackson High School in 1962.

He married Audrey M. Mason and to this union were two children, Lori and Anthony. James accepted Christ at an early age and joined Cypress Baptist Church (Surry, Virginia) where most of his family attended. Early in his church journey, he sang in the choir.

James enjoyed his family, hunting, fishing and gardening until his health started to decline. He was an outdoorsman and his main passion was gardening. James worked for the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company for forty-one years, retiring in 2005 from his Steel Fabrication tasks. After a brief period of time, he worked for the County of Surry Sanitation Department for fifteen years.

James’ parents, Birt and Alice Parson, passed away before him, as did his brothers, Raymond Parson and Robert Lee Parson, and his sister, Bernice Parson Rochester.

He leaves fond memories with: wife, Audrey M. Parson, Surry, Virginia; daughter, Lori Cooper, Newport News, Virginia, son, Anthony Parson (Kim), Wakefield, Virginia; sister, Evelyn Parson, Newport News, Virginia; grandsons, Devin L. Cooper, USAF, Darin L. Cooper, Newport News, Virginia, Anthony Parson, Jr., Wakefield, Virginia; granddaughter, Bethany N. Parson, Wakefield, Virginia; sister-in-law, Mary M. Magistro (Frank), Newport News, Virginia and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God; he heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry came before Him, even into His ears. Psalm 18:6

On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. At 11am on Thursday, October 2, 2025, a Celebration of Life will also be held at the Chapel. Interment will follow the service at Mt. Moriah A.M.E. Church Cemetery.