James Vincent Parker, 64, of Dundee, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2015, at the Promedica Monroe Skilled Nursing and Rehab. He had been in poor health since January, and seriously ill since entering the nursing home 2 weeks ago.
He was born October 5, 1950 in Ypsilanti, MI. James was the son of James and Clarice (Parker) McKenzie. He was a 1969 graduate of Dundee High School; he then went on to serve honorably in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He was employed as a Team Leader by GM Powertrain in Toledo for the last 36 years. James especially enjoyed his time fishing and doing woodworking projects.
He married Gail (Parker) LaBeau on January 29, 1990 in Jacksboro, TN, she survives.
As well as Gail, he leaves to cherish the memories, his mother, Clarice McKenzie of Monroe; 2 step children, Eric (Brittany) LaBeau of Dundee, and Erin (Larry) Miller of Ypsilanti; 5 siblings, Barbara (Mike) Lesher of Monroe, Charles (Sophie) McKenzie of Monroe, Donald (Marge) Parker of Georgia, Robert (Miriam) McKenzie of Temperance, Wayne McKenzie of Kentucky, and Mike (Carol) McKenzie of Monroe; and seven beloved grandchildren.
Sadly, his father, James McKenzie, sister, Virginia Redd, and two brothers, William and Dennis McKenzie, all preceded him in death.
Friends are invited to call at the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 South Telegraph Road, Tuesday, May 26, 2015, from 1-5 PM. Rev. Galen Lowery, pastor of 1st Baptist Church of Monroe will officiate. Military honors will be conducted by the VFW Post#1138, Monroe.
For anyone wishing to make a memorial gift in his name, the charity of the donor's choice may be used.