Desert Messenger

• Birth • Obituary • Anniversary Place it FREE in the: Desert Messenger! 928-916-4235 Got something to share? May 18, 2022 www.DesertMessenger.com 19 In Memoriam JAMES "JIM" L. PARKER April 27, 2936 – May 10, 2022 A loving husband, father, grand- father and great grandfather. Jim passed peacefully in his sleep at home in Quartzsite, Arizona. Jim was born in Pampa, Texas to Edd and Mildred Parker. He was one of four children and was the only boy. Jim graduated from San- ta Maria High School. After high school, he joined the U. S. Army. He served in the Army from 1958- 1961 as an SP4. He retired from the City of San Bernardino as the Superintendent of Parks and Rec- reation. He resided in Quartzsite, Arizona permanently for the past four years. During his retirement in Quartzsite, Jim loved to contribute to the community. He was President of the Quartzsite Senior Center for many years. He enjoyed going to swap meets and yard sales, as well as cruising around town in his dune buggy. Jim always had a clever joke to say with a good beer in his hand; he was a friend to all. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Parker. Jim and Phyl- lis were together for over 45 years before her crossing in 2006. They had enough love for each other to last a lifetime. They both had a love for NASCAR, and enjoyed country music. Their time together brought joy to Jim's life. They had three beautiful daughters and raised them in Riverside County. Jim is survived by three daughters: Terri Dronet, Darla Edgmon and ROY E. BUTLER Roy E. Butler, 92, passed away in Quartzsite, Arizona on April 12, 2022, surrounded by his wife and granddaughter and grandson in law. Roy was born on July 23rd, 1929, in Prim Arkansas, the eldest of 3 boys from William "Bud" Butler and Dora Woods. Roy's youngest brother, Airlon tells stories of many times when they were young boys getting into fights and being best of friends with the "Waters Boys". Roy was only able to obtain a 4th grade education. He grew up learning to work hard and take care of his family. He always spoke highly of his mother and Aunt Laura and loved them dearly. Roy married Janette Phayon Nel- son in Heber Springs, AR on Jan 19, 1948. They traveled to Los Angeles, CA after getting married with only $100 to their name. They were blessed with 2 biological chil- dren: Paula McGarry born Feb. 13th, 1949, and Ronald Butler born, April 25, 1955. Roy and Phayon raised many children over the years (probably close to 30). Once he was asked how many children did they raise, his answer, "I couldn't tell you, there's so many I love and ad- opted." He and Phayon were able to open a new world to kids that Jamie Parker. Five grandchildren; Dawn, James, Jessica, Coy and Kayla. As well as eight great grand- children; Haily, Emily, Gracie, Eve, Lucy, Payton, Ryker and Max. Jim will be laid to rest with his beloved wife, Phyllis at Riverside National Cemetery. needed a little help getting started. They taught everyone how to work and work hard but have fun at the same time. He would have given the shirt off his back for anybody. He taught the kids, "If you could do something, do right." He always had a smile on his face and loved to make others happy. Roy loved music and played for the communities in churches and grange halls; Camden Grange and Peone Prairie Grange Hall, Valley Prairie Hall and many, many more. He set up a stage at his home in Quartzsite, AZ so they could enjoy the company of friends and fam- ily. He loved nothing more than to gather the community, have a potluck and play music. He played music with many great artists like The Lemon Sisters, Barbara Fairch- ild and partnered with Lou McCoy for 18 ½ years. There are so many amazing and wonderful people he was blessed to share the stage with. One of his most favorite loves was music and he made a life around it. He was always talking about going to a "jam" and how much he loved the people that he met and was able to play music with. Roy worked at Peterbilt, Interna- tional and Fruehauf in Spokane. He traveled to Minnesota to get certi- fied on straightening semi frames and eventually opened his own fab- rication shop in Mead WA. Roy was so proud of his accomplishments and abilities in mechanics, he was able to feel the vibrations in semis that most other mechanics couldn't, and he was able to fix them. Roy married Carol Wolfram on May 15th, 2016, in Quartzsite, AZ. During their marriage they enjoyed traveling, visiting with friends and family and the occasion afternoon trip to Lake Havasu to relax on the beach. Once Roy asked Carol to dance and when she said she didn't know how, he said, "That's ok honey just wiggle." Front porch watching and being able to be retired in their home in Quartzsite was what they enjoyed the best. Roy was preceded in death by his father William Butler, his mother Dora Woods, his middle brother David Monroe Butler, his first wife (of 68 years) Phayon Butler, his daughter Paula McGarry and son Ron Butler. He was survived by his young- est brother Frank "Airlon" Butler, his second wife (of 5 years) Carol Butler, his stepchildren; Mechel (Jim) Fielder, Johanna (Geoff) Crosswhite and Michael (Dusti) Gemmrig. His grandchildren; Frank Butler, Deanna (Chuck) Mahan and Kera Knudsen. Step grandchildren; Amber Fielder, Trina (Jerry) Sturn, Allison (Dean) Hanson, Cassan- dra (John) Grey, Alex Crosswhite, Amanda (David) Crosswhite, David Gimmrig, Michaella (Randy) Laird, Lainee Shell and Kairi Knutson and 12 great grandchildren. Funeral service date will be an- nounced for late summer 2022. The family asks that instead of flow- ers being sent please donate to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in the name of Roy Butler.

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