ARCOIreland regrets to inform its members of the death of Lieutenant General James (Jim) Parker DSM, who died peacefully in the care of Naas Hospital on the 14th April 2020, aged 91, after a short illness. Beloved husband of the late Breeda, much loved father of Eamonn, Liam (Billy), Siobhan, Colman, Ciaran, Diarmuid and much adored grandchildren Alan, Sarah, Roisin, Ciaran, Katie, Stephen, Ben, Mia, Ellen, Colin and predeceased grandchildren Aoife and James. Sadly missed by his loving family, cherished surviving sister Nora, sisters-in-law, daughters-in-law, partners, nieces, nephews, extended family, good neighbours, wide circle of friends and Defence Forces colleagues.
May he rest in peace
James Parker was born in Mitchelstown, County Cork and was a member of 21 Cadet Class (1948-1950). He served initially in the General Training Depot and then in 4 Infantry Battalion. He served in the Cadet School, the Infantry School and the Command and Staff School and completed the Staff Course at Camberley in 1959. He commanded 3 Infantry Battalion and on promotion to Colonel served as Director of Reserve Forces, OC 2 Brigade and EO of both the Western and Curragh Commands. Jim was promoted to Brigadier General in 1988 and Major General in March 1989, when he was appointed Adjutant General of the Defence Forces. He was promoted to Lieutenant General on 16 October 1989 and appointed Chief of Staff. He retired on 15 April 1992.
Jim served overseas as Assistant Intelligence Officer with 35 Infantry Battalion ONUC in the Congo in 1961, in Cyprus as Operations Officer 9 Infantry Group in 1967/68 and commanded 26 Infantry Group in the Sinai in 1974. He was a military observer in the Middle East with UNTSO from 1977 to 1979 and was Senior Irish Officer in Lebanon at UNIFIL HQ during 1984/85. From 1987 to 1989 he was the United Nations Chief Military Observer in India and Pakistan.
A private family funeral will take place due to government advice regarding public gatherings. Those who would have wished to have attended the funeral, but due to current restrictions cannot, may leave their condolences on www.rip.ie.
The family would like to thank you for your co-operation, understanding and support during this sensitive time. The family would also like to extend their special thanks to the staff of Craddock House Nursing Home and to the staff of Naas Hospital for their special care of their dad. A memorial Mass and a celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date.
