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John “Jack” Parks December 13, 1924 - June 30, 2017

Jack went to be with his Lord Savior Jesus Christ on June 30, 2017 at the age of 92.  To all that knew Jack, you would know this is a time of great rejoicing now that he is “absent from the body and present with the Lord”. He and his wife Jean were owners and operators of Parks Seafood in Allentown from 1946 till 1985 and he was known for his popular Morning Call column in the 70’s and 80’s called “Fishy Facts by Jack”.  Jack also took much pleasure in assisting his son Fred with his restaurant, Parks Oyster and Clam Bar in Allentown and Parks Oyster House in Bethlehem.

Jack was born on 12/13/1924 on Tangier Island, Va.  He was the son of John C. Parks and Mary (Dize) Parks.  He came from a long line of Chesapeake Watermen who made their living on the Bay.  During the Great Depression, his family moved to Allentown to sell fresh oysters, clams and fish brought up from the Chesapeake Bay in their truck. Jack graduated from William Allen HS in 1943 and proudly served his country in WWII in the Navy aboard the USS Tazewell in the Pacific Theater. Upon discharge, Jack returned to Allentown and married his high school sweetheart, Jean Yeager on August 16, 1946. Jack joined his father in the running of Parks Seafood and continued the family business until 1985. However, Jack was never one to remain inactive, so in between fishing trips, he volunteered at Crime Victims’ Counsel and went back to part time work at Peterson’s Seafood and later at Wegman’s, of course, in the seafood department officially “retiring” in 2011 at the age of 86.

Jack always was athletic winning numerous handball tournaments into his 30’s and working out in health clubs into his 80’s.

A self-taught and lifelong student of the Bible, he was a respected teacher of the Word and guest speaker at many churches for over 60 years. He attended Seibert’s EC church and most recently, First Baptist Church of Allentown.

Jack and his family wish to express their gratitude to the staff of Ascera Care Hospice and Fellowship Community for their compassion, support and laughter they gave him while in their care.

Jack’s love for his family was evident all his life.  Jean was the love of his life. They celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in 2010 and that year Jean preceded Jack to Heaven. Jack and Jean had 4 children: Fred (passed away 2006), Bill, Jane, and John and their spouses, beloved grandfather to 13 grandchildren and their spouses and 11 great grandchildren. “Ompie” was extremely proud of them all and prayed for them by name every day of their lives.

Celebration Service: First Baptist Church of Allentown 19th & Brown Street, Saturday July 8, 2017 at 11:00 am immediately followed by a time of remembrance, laughter and refreshment in the 1st Baptist Family Life Center. Arrangements by Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. www.stephensfuneral.com

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, Jack asked you to kindly consider Riverbend Nazareth Community Church, 299 Industrial Dr., Nazareth, PA 18064 or Fellowship Community, 3000 Fellowship Dr., Whitehall PA 18052.

 

 

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