James Joseph Parsons

On Monday July 22, 2024, our beloved family patriarch, James Joseph Parsons, passed from this world into the loving arms of his Creator the Lord Jesus Christ. 

James was preceded in death by his only love, of 44 years, Betty Parsons; his daughter, JoAnn Melcher and her husband, Brian Melcher; his son, James Edward Parsons; and his adoptive son, John Buu Tan Tu. 

James worked for many years providing for his family in the printing trade as union journeyman mailer for the Washington Post, the Merkle Press and other local publications in the DC/MD metropolitan area making many lifelong friends along the way. 

Although being born in Wichita, KS, in 1939, he was very proud of his Oklahoma "Sooner" roots, his mother's heritage and loved his extended family that reached all the way to California and beyond. 

He is survived by his son, Robert "Bob" Singleton and his wife, Charleene, their children, Jenny Jean, David, Emily, and their children, Julie, Kristina, Tommy and Harrison; his grandson, Michael Melcher and his wife and their two children; his granddaughter, Caroline, and her husband, Adam Huddleston and their children, William and Brianna; the late Eddie Parson's children, James and Jacob Parsons; the late John Buu Tan Tu's children, Jessica and James. Other surviving family members, who loved him dearly are, former daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Tu and her family; sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Eaton and her daughter, Becky Jackson; Pearl Marshall, her sons and their families; one step brother, Mike, and wife, Tammie Owens and their children of Oklahoma; one nephew, Freddy and Debbie Parsons and their children of Virginia; and countless other extended family and friends. 

He considered all of us "brothers" in God's eyes. He touched and made a lasting impression on all who came to know him. So much that three children were named in his honor.

Graveside services will be held at noon on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Samples Manor Cemetery with Rev. Delancy Catlett officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday at Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike in Boonsboro. 

"Go Rest High on That Mountain - Your work here is Done"