James Allen Parrish

In a good life, full of love, death will always arrive too soon. James Allen Parrish left this world Sunday, June 5th in his sleep. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Melissa, daughter Hannah,  mother Masako Jhocson, mother in law Marilyn Hendrix, his beloved dachshund Sadie dog, as well as his extended family.

James was born in Memphis, Tennessee to the late Alfonso “Al”  Parrish and Masako Jhocson. James, also known as Jap or Jimmy, moved to Statesboro in the 7th grade in 1969. He graduated from Statesboro High School in 1975 and attended Young Harris College and graduated with a degree in biology in 1977. Jap then graduated from Georgia Southern University in 1979 with a BA degree in  Accounting. He and Melissa married November 5, 1983 in Statesboro Georgia and moved to Hilton Head before moving to Bluffton in 1985. He worked for Aikman & Company for many years before opening his own accounting practice in Bluffton in 1989. Voted Best of Bluffton for many years, he served Bluffton and treasured everyone who walked through his door. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Bluffton and was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow Award.

On February 15, 1990 Jap’s most treasured possession was born…Hannah (Sook or Bocephus).  They were inseparable. They spent many hours going to the movies, dining, shopping, fishing and just hanging out.

In the fall you could always find Jap cheering on his beloved Georgia Bulldogs. He enjoyed going out on the boat with Melissa exploring the Colleton River and fishing. He loved sitting with friends sharing stories and laughing. He never missed an opportunity to go see a concert and you could find him in his office listening to his records. Jap never met a stranger and cherished all of his friends and relationships. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his family, friends or clients. His infectious laugh and bright smile will be missed.

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 11th at 2pm at Sauls Funeral home in Bluffton. A Celebration of Life will follow at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate in honor of James to a local charity of your choosing.

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