James Michael Parkin

James M. Parkin, 78, beloved husband of 56 years to Janet Hanlon Parkin, of Milford (formerly of Charlestown, RI and Ridgefield, CT), passed away peacefully on July 21, 2018. Born on May 21, 1940 in Manhattan, NY, he was the son of the late Samuel and Hilda Parkin.   

The son of immigrants, James grew up in Queens, New York and was the first member of his family to graduate from college.  After graduating from La Salle Academy, he put himself through Baruch College in Manhattan where he met his future bride Janet. He subsequently earned an MBA and his CPA certification. He raised his family in Ridgefield, CT where he lived from 1973 to 2005. His career in international taxation gave him many opportunities to travel, with business trips to France, Germany, Brazil, Japan, South Africa, Australia and more. Trips to Tax Executives Institute conventions are fondly remembered by Janet.

His Catholic faith was an important part of James’ life. He served as an Altar Boy, went to Catholic High school, belonged to the Knights of Columbus and helped develop a Pro-Life billboard campaign.

His and Janet’s love of the beach led them to purchase a summer home in Charlestown, Rhode Island in 1983.  That house brought their friends, children, and grandchildren together for countless fun days on the beach as well as card games and laughter in the evenings.

Jim set the example of an honest, hard-working, and even-tempered husband and father. He was ever calm and compassionate and loved by all who met him.  His sense of humor was infectious, and the grandchildren quickly learned to think twice before believing a tall tale from their grandfather! 

James is survived by his wife Janet, his children, Francis Patrick (Tracy) Parkin, Sharon Mary (John) Romero, Michael James (Katy) Parkin, and Kathleen Mae (Allen) Bacon; grandchildren, Laurel, John Jr., Christopher, Julia, Sam, Ryan, and Claire. James is also survived by three siblings, Anne Anderson, Mary Weiner, and Richard Parkin and predeceased by three siblings, Kathleen Mangilomini, Robert, and Edward Parkin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 27, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Mary Church, 70 Gulf St., Milford, CT (meet directly at church). Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Buckingham Ave., Milford, CT. Friends and family may call on Thursday, July 26, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation at www.parkinson.org or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at www.jdrf.org.

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