James T. Parker

Life Reflections JIM PARKER was born on April 3, 1934 in Macon, Georgia to the late Charles and Carrie Parker. He was one of six children that included Charles Jr., Betty, Earnestine, Earnest, and Al. As a child, Jim battled a childhood illness which almost claimed his life. He overcame the illness and not only survived, but thrived. Jim began his remarkable football career at Toledo Scott High School, where he excelled in basketball and football. While attending Toledo Scott High School, Jim was recruited and subsequently played for Woody Hayes at the Ohio State University. While at Ohio State University, Jim was a member of a National Championship Team and also won the Outland Trophy which is awarded to the nation's top collegiate lineman. In 1957, Jim was drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Colts. For eleven seasons, he anchored the Baltimore Colts offensive line. Following his football career, Jim was enshrined in both the National Football League Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. Many consider Jim to have been the greatest offensive lineman to have played in the NFL. After his playing days with the Colts were over, Jim maintained a successful business in Baltimore for thirty-three years. Jim Parker's Package Goods and Pub was a favorite place to go and talk to Jim about sports, politics, or any topic of interest. Jim always had a warm smile and a kind word for everyone. He was a mainstay in the community and provided inspiration to all who spoke to him. He was not only a great football player, but he also was a popular figure in the community who provided direction and support to countless friends. Jim would always be available to help those in need and support them emotionally or financially. Jim's football legacy is one for the record books, but the legacy of his warmth and generosity will overshadow his gridiron greatness. Jim Parker was truly a leader who made a difference to every life he touched. Jim leaves behind: his wife, Esther; two brothers, Charles Jr. and Earnest (one brother Al preceded him in death); one sister, Betty Williams (one sister Earnestine preceded him in death); fourteen children, Deborah Graves, Pam Stewart, Sheri Parker, Jimi Parker, Diane Parker-Miller, David Parker, Tina Nelson, Ernest Keyes, Brian Keyes, Miasha Parker, Anwar Parker, Candace Parker, Christian Parker, and Miriam Parker; two daughters-in-law, Nakieta Parker and Angela Keys; one son-in-law, Charles Miller; twenty-three grandchildren, five great grandchildren; Pete C. Wright (just like a brother); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. JIM PARKER'S FOOTBALL BIOGRAPHY Collegiate: Ohio State University - 1954, 1955, 1956 All Big Ten - 1955, 1956 All American - 1955, 1956 Outland Trophy - 1956 National Championship - 1954 College Football News Top 100 Players Professional Drafted: 1st round (8th overall) in 1957 by Baltimore Colts Uniform Number: #77 All-Pro: 8 consecutive years (4 years guard and 4 years tackle) Pro-Bowls: 8 Enshrined into Pro Football Hall of Fame: 1973: First full-time offensive lineman named to Pro Football Hall of Fame. Enshrined into College Football Hall of Fame: 1976 NFL's 75th Anniversary All Time Team (unanimous selection) New York Daily News Top 50 Football Players Sports Illustrated NCAA Football All Century Team Sporting News 100 Greatest Players

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James T. Parker

April 3, 1934 - July 18, 2005