James Ross Parker

James Ross Parker 1931 ~ 2014 At the age of 82 our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away surrounded by family and friends Feb 4, 2014 due to complications following a stroke. Born Feb 5, 1931 in Bennion, UT to Herbert and Mabel Parker. Ross Parker was a man of great service and generosity. He was born and lived all his life on the family farm in Bennion/Taylorsville. Ross loved to work. Ross farmed all his life and would get up at 3 am to milk cows then go to work at another job. He drove school bus for Granite School Dist, managed the Salt Lake County Equestrian Center and was currently working for Utah Lake Distributing. He graduated from Granite High School. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was also a member of The American Quarter Horse Association. He didn't like long meetings. He was a huge Jazz fan. Ross loved competition. Competing himself where he won many County Recreation leagues and All Church Championships in basketball where he wished they had a 3pt line and fast pitch softball where he was a great pitcher. He loved watching and supporting his grandkids when they compete in their sports and activities. Ross always had a love for horses. He competed and supported his kids in all their rodeo and horse events. He had friends wherever he went and will be greatly missed by all. Survived by children: Mark (Lisa) Parker, Jill (Jim) Atkinson, Carrie (Joe) Ruiz; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sister Hazel Simpson. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 11, 2014, 12:00 noon at the Riverview Ward, 1325 W. 5550 S.. Viewings will be held Monday, 6-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and Tuesday at the church, 11-11:45 a.m. Interment, Taylorsville Cemetery. Place of Birth:Bennion, UtahPlace of Death:Murray, UtahHobbies:Horses, farming, The Jazz, basketballOccupation:Manager of the SL County Equestrian Center; School Bus Driver