James Philp Parker

Priscilla Everett and Philip Parker. James departed this life on June 12, 2014 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. James was educated in the Nashville Public School System. James served in the United States Navy during WWII. James was baptized at an early age at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church and served as an usher for many years. In 1941 James married Trousdale Lorraine Smith and to this union four children were born, George Lee Parker (deceased), Janice Lorraine Parker Skinner (deceased), Venorian Lorraine Parker (deceased), and Sharon Denise Parker Doucet. He was a loving husband, wonderful father and grandfather.
He devoted his life to the good of the church, family and a loyal commitment to those who knew him.

• At the age of 14, James began to work at Formosa Fruit and Vegetable Supply.
• In 1959, he began working for MP Grocers and State Stove Trucking Company as a cross-country driver.
• Shortly after, he began his long-term career at B&G Wholesale Distributers as a salesman.
• In 1967, he was honored to be the first and only black salesman in the state of Tennessee and inducted into the Old Taylor Hall of Fame for top sales nationally. At that time, he became a Kentucky Colonel at Frankfort, Kentucky distillery.
• Simultaneously, James began his career as a entrepreneur with the start up of Spic N Span Janitorial Service, in which he held contracts with several recording studios: RCA Studio A&B, Americana, Monument, Ernest Tubbs and many others.

Working two or three jobs was a way of life for James as he added the Tennessee Medical Association and stayed at B&G now known as Horizon Beverage and TMA until the tender retirement age of 79.

James never met a stranger he had a jolly personality and the gift of gab. James just simply loved people and always shared his good fortune with others. His hobbies included playing checkers, golfing, and shooting pool.


He leaves to cherish his memory: devoted wife of 73 years Trousdale Parker,
loving daughter Sharon (Philip) Doucet Sr.; grand children: Terrance Parker,
Georgene Parker, Craig (Donna) Skinner, Gerard (Regina) Skinner, Erika Parker, Faybrienne Doucet, Venorian Doucet, Philip James (Lanedra) Doucet; great-grand children; Angela Parker, Andre Parker, David Foster, Melina Skinner, Sophia Skinner, Christian Parker, many relatives, and a devoted friend; Eugene Hancock.