James Kenneth Parker Sr.

James K. “Ken” Parker Sr., age 86, of Grants Pass, died Saturday, January 9, 2010 at his home.

No services are planned. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

He was born April 11, 1923 in Elmore, Oklahoma. During World War II he served in the United States Army. In 1941 he married Pauline Smith. He worked in many trades including aircraft and truck mechanic and Spreckles Sugar Company. He also built the crate that housed the seat carrying the first monkey into space. In the 1980s he moved from Arizona to Grants Pass.

He enjoyed traveling, fishing, reading, playing cards with family and regular trips to Seven Feathers.

Survivors include four children, James “Kenny” Parker Jr. of Paradise, California, Shirley Flaigg of Welton, Arizona, David Parker of Grants Pass, and Trista Parker of Washington D.C.; a sister, Betty Latham of Salinas, California; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elisha Parker and Cordie Powell; his wife, Pauline; brother, Lloyd Parker; sister, Jean Harden; three grandsons, Billy Orris, Ronnie McGuire, and Jason Dunkel; and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Molera.