James “Jim” Albert Parsons, from Bethany, IL, was called to his eternal home in heaven on September 3, 2026, at 81 years of age. Born on August 6, 1945, in Herrin, IL, Jim and his three siblings grew up under the strong faith-filled influence of their parents, Pastor Vernon and Roxie Parsons, in various communities in Southern/Central Illinois.

Jim was an outstanding athlete growing up. He thrived in track and field, baseball, and in his first love, basketball. Jim was a well known and respected high school basketball player as a young freshman and sophomore at Vandalia (IL) High School. When his father, Vernon, was called to minister a new congregation of the Free Methodist Church, the family moved to Cowden, IL. It was at Cowden-Herrick where Jim became an acclaimed performer, earning all-area honors in basketball as a senior in 1963.

After graduating from Cowden-Herrick High School in 1963, Jim attended Greenville College in Greenville, IL. At Greenville, his athletic prowess continued to stand alone. He became the college’s all-time leading scorer in men's basketball, along with setting the school’s high jump record in track and field. Graduating with a bachelor of science degree in 1967, Jim went on to earn a master’s degree in education from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL in 1968.

Jim began his coaching and teaching career in Ramsey, IL. After only one year in Ramsey, Jim was called to serve his country from 1969-71. He was drafted in the army and served in 3rd Armored Division, known as the Spearheads, in Friedberg, Germany. Knowing of Jim’s athletic propensity, the army had him playing on their baseball and basketball units where he was nicknamed, “Joe Buck.”

After service, Jim taught a year in Decatur, IL before landing in the community where his life’s work would serve others and add value to multitudes of students, church members, athletes, and community residents. In 1972, Jim began teaching at Bethany Elementary School in Bethany, IL, and coached at the elementary, middle, and high school. He taught Science and coached basketball, baseball, and track at all levels of the Bethany school system. Jim was the first coach for many of Bethany’s children and his leadership would strengthen them on the courts and field, but his example as a Godly man would impact them throughout their lives. Jim served the youth of Bethany in this role until his retirement from teaching in 2001.

On December 23, 1972, Jim married the love of his life, Carole Cox from Moweaqua, IL. The couple raised their three children and established their Bethany home on love, faith, and sacrifice. There were numerous community youth that Jim and Carole would have over for dinner and would invest into the lives of these impressionable young people.

Jim was a master fisherman. He knew all the best fishing spots in the area. Like a crafty fisherman, he never gave those spots up. Moreover, Jim was one of the most active men in the Bethany community. He would lead Sunday school classes, as well as play basketball and humble the youth he played against who were half his age. He could be seen running the streets in the city and in the local countryside. Often he could be seen pushing a lawn mower down the streets to the next yard he was mowing for someone in the community. He took time to speak to everyone who crossed his path. He smiled and he laughed. His laugh was unmistakable and his joy undeniable.

Jim had joy in his heart because of one decision he made on a day in 1961. On that day, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He spent the rest of his time on earth drawing closer to Jesus and he, his family, and others were blessed for it. It is with all certainty that Jim is in heaven today rejoicing because of that one decision he made and he never backed away from.

Surviving is his life’s soulmate, love, and friend for 53 years of marriage, wife Carole; daughters: Erin (John) Barnes and Beth (Rodney) Mueller Parsons, all of Greenville, IL; son: Ryan (Sara) Parsons of Lockport, IL; grandchildren: Jonathan, Mason, Brady, and Graham; brother: Jerry Parsons of Bloomington, IL; and sister: Sharon (Loren) Barnes of Cowden, IL. Preceding him in death are his parents and brother, Melbourne Parsons.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 7, 2026 in Seitz Funeral Home, Moweaqua, IL. A visitation will be from 11:00 – 1:00, prior to service time. Burial, with full military rites, will be in Prairie Home Cemetery, Moweaqua, IL. Memorials may be made to Moweaqua Food Pantry or Bethany Christian Church Food Pantry.

Seitz Funeral Home, Moweaqua, has been entrusted with the care and service arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left at www.seitzfh.com.