James Howard Parr
September 9, 1929 ~ October 10, 2013
Resided in:
Candler, NC
James Howard Parr, age 84, died quietly in his sleep Thursday, October 10, 2013 after a lingering illness. He was born in San Angelo, Texas. He grew up on a ranch in Carlsbad, New Mexico, the son of Walter Wayne Hughes, Flora Parr and adoptive father, Roy L. Parr, all of whom preceded him in death. He has been a resident of the Asheville area since 1972, when he moved here to accept the job of Chief Ranger of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Howard is survived by his wife, Ina Egan Underwood Parr, his daughter Pam Jones and son-in-law, Randy Jones, of Troup Texas; daughters Susan Parr, and Lisa Parr, and step-son, Berkley Underwood, of Asheville, NC. Also surviving are brother, Walter R. Parr and sister-in-law, Carol Parr, of Carlsbad, NM, step-grandsons James Underwood and Matthew Underwood, and a step-great granddaughter, several nephews and a niece.
Howard served his country with honor in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict as Sergeant First Class. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart and other service awards.
He served with his dear friend Dan Blocker, the actor "Hoss" on the Bonanza TV series, and he loved to share colorful stories about their military and personal experiences. He was Best Man at Blocker's wedding. Blocker nicknamed him "Colonel"; a title that stuck with him for life with his Army buddies.
In 1956, after returning to Carlsbad and attending college, he began working at Carlsbad Caverns National Park as a Tour Leader in what became a 40-year career with the National Park Service. Later assignments took him to national parks at Death Valley, CA, Glacier, MT, Mammoth Cave, KY, where he was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Breathitt in recognition of his noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to his community. Additionally, he served at Great Smoky Mountains, NC and Blue Ridge Parkway, NC and VA.
He was a great storyteller who loved to captivate and amuse his audience with stories about his Park Service career. The "Chief" made friends wherever he went. He was known for his quick sense of humor, friendly outgoing personality, and his love for people. In 1994 he retired as Chief Ranger of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a position that he held for 22 years.
A Celebration of Life service will be conducted by Pastor Lisa Hartzog Hannah on Friday, October 18, 2013, 2:00 p.m. at Montmorenci United Methodist Church located off of Pisgah Highway. Burial of his cremated remains will be private at a later date.
Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be sent to Montmorenci United Methodist Church, 89 Old Candler Town Rd., Candler, NC 28715 or Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, 717 S. Marshall St., Ste. 105B, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.
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TO THE PARR FAMILY I MEET HOWARD AT HEART PATH HE WAS ONE OF THE NICEST PERSON I HAVE MEET ALWAYS FRIENDLY WITH EVERYONE WE WOULD ALWAYS LAUGH ABOUT HIM HITTING HIS HEAD I KNOW HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL OF HIS FRIENDS AT HEART PATH GOD BLESS ALL THE FAMILY
Ina, I grew up in the park service (beginning as a dispatcher), with Mr. Parr as my Chief Ranger on the Blue Ridge Parkway. His smile, laughter and humor (the stuffed bear) were all well known in the bank building, out in the park and throughout the Service. Through it all, his true love for the National Park Service was obvious. It was an honor to work under him, in the Ranger Division, on the Parkway. My thoughts are with you and his family (some I met through the years).
Cindy B. Medlock
My thoughts and prayers are with you Ina and your family. What great memories I have of the ‘Chief’.
worked with Howard when I was a Lt. With the NC Highway Patrol. A Southern Gentleman, Great Officer.Rest in peace in a city that has Gold streets.
So sad to hear of Howards passing. Howard was the Chief Ranger on the PW for the first 4 years of my career and he was the Chief who offered me my first permanent job on the PW. My thoughts and prayers are with Ina and his family
We knew, worked with, admired, respected and loved the ‘Old Chief’ almost ever since he arrived. in North Carolina. He was a good man and a good friend. We’ll miss him. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Ina and other members of Howard’s family.
Howard made our neighborhood a friendly place to walk in. I will always remember him and you, Ina, taking time to talk with me when I walked by. Those are memories that make life worthwhile.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family Ina. The ‘Chief’ is with the Lord now. John and Cecilia Gentry
Ina, our thoughts and prayers are with you. I’m so glad Ginny and I had an opportunity to visit with you and Howard at Phil’s retirement dinner. Mark
Ina, thinking about you in this time, many great memories of Howard in the beginning of my NPS Career. His stories always bring a smile to my face!
Zeph
Ina and Family,
Howard was such a wonderful person and he will be missed greatly. Our prayers are with each of you during this sad time but may it comfort you to know that Howard is with Our Lord.
Ina, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I worked with quite a few CRs. None quite like Howard! A story for every situation. A good old time Park Service employee and one we will certainly miss.
Ina, Fred and I are so sorry for your loss. You know the Ole Chief gave me my first job on the parkway as his secretary, which was my luckiest day. What a great man and what fun we had thru the years. He will never be forgotten.
Mr. Howard was indeed a class act, he was an asset to the NPS and never failed to tell me the story of his ‘gold’ NPS badge, he knew I ‘favored’ it mightly, he will be missed. My prayers are with Ina and his family and especially his Blue Ridge extended family..
I remember knocking on his door in the middle of the night after his daughter Lisa & I got soaking wet during a camping trip. He just shook his head, smiled, and went back to bed.
May the family’s heart heal sooner rather than later, and may your memories remain as strong as the day they were made.
A wonderful friend, a mentor, a dedicated public servant, and a source of many smiles and humor, a man who truly cared about other people and had a heart of gold. Howard and Ina taught me a lot and their friendship and love enriched my life. Very saddened, but we’re all headed to that place eventually. Was pleased to hear that he passed peacefully in his sleep. My thoughts and prayers are with you Howard, wherever you may be, and with the family and Ina. Much love, Tony
Ina: We are so sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. I will be calling you soon. Hoyt and Linda
Ina, you & the family are in my prayers for the loss of ‘Chief’. He was the best Southern gentleman & always thinking of other people’s needs. When I started work on the Parkway in October 1972, he was one of the first people I met, and I knew he was ‘green blooded’ NPS Ranger & he taught me so much about the other parks in NPS, I just had to see more. I did, and it’s still in my green blood too, thanks to Howard. Love, Debbie Hogan, Blue Ridge Parkway, 1972-1981.
I am sorry to hear about the passing of your loved one. The Bible teaches that God is eager to raise the dead. The faithful man Job asked: “If an able-bodied man dies can he live again?” Job was speaking about waiting in the grave until the time came for God to remember him. He said to Jehovah: “You will call, and I myself shall answer you. For the work of your hands you will have a yearning.”—Job 14:13-15.” Please visit http://www.jw.org
Ina & family,
Linda and I share mightily in your
loss. Howard was one of those rare folks who could bring levity to a difficult situation and make everyone comfortable just with his smile. All who knew ‘The Chief’ will miss him.
Love,
Dan & Linda
Howard was a good friend and a most appreciated public servant. His service will forever be remembered.
Ina, you are in our thoughts and prayers. With sincere sympathy and love, Jerry and Wilma Sherrill
Dear Ina,
I am so sorry to hear about Howard. Please know I am thinking about you. I am just back from Washington state where I visited my daughter; please tell Susan that Harriet joins me in thoughts and prayers; they started school together in West Glacier.