Jim Parrish

Jimmie “Jim” Lee Parrish, age 83, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026.

Jim was born August 31, 1943 in Florence, Alabama, the son of Doyle and Eunice Emerson Parrish. Jim was a graduate of Horicon High School in 1962. Following high school he enlisted with the U.S. Air Force of which he served for four years. Following his time in the service he worked at John Deere in Horicon, went on to broadcasting school in Milwaukee, and was a broadcaster with radio stations in the Minneapolis area. On January 18, 1969 he married Carol Paul in Beaver Dam. The couple left the Minneapolis area and moved to Waupun where they resided most of their married lives. In November of 1970 Jim joined the Waupun Police Department for 28 years. He then worked as a private detective for Winnebago Land Security and then 11 years for Attorney Jim Grant as an investigator. Following that Jim worked for several car dealerships in the area, transferring cars. Jim enjoyed the outdoors, golfing, fishing, and hunting. He enjoyed following his grandchildren as they participated in sports and other extracurricular activities. Jim was a member of American Legion Post 210 and Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 6709. He was also a member of Alto Reformed Church.

Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol Parrish of Waupun; children: Brad (April) Parrish of Beaver Dam, Lynda (Bill) Loomans of Alto, and Jaime (Justin) Straks of Alto; ten grandchildren: Parker Parrish, Bailey Ward, Hunter (Alexis) Ward, Taylor (Brant) McDowell, Cameron (Milton) Ortiz, Jebediah Loomans, Isaiah Loomans, Jake Murphy, Koy (Tia) Straks, and Meghan Gosz; four great-grandchildren: Zane and Knox, Benjamin, and Eliana; a brother, Tom (Marcia) Parrish; sister-in-law, Donna (Jerry) Priewe; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a great-grandson, Miles Ortiz, two sisters: Laura O’Dell and Stella Fischer; and brothers-in-law: Warren Paul and Randy Paul.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Alto Reformed Church in the town of Alto from 9-11am with services to follow and Pastor Randy McDaniel officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens in the town of Trenton.