James William Parker, age 80, A Bainbridge Island resident for almost 30 years, died Dec. 28.

He was born and raised in Houston and attended the University of Texas in Austin, where he met and married Lucile Bailey.

During WWII, while serving with the 8th Army Air Force, he was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service.

After the war, he completed a Ph.D. and continued his career in the Army as a clinical psychologist.

After retirement from military service, the couple embarked from Bainbridge Island on a two and a half year sailing adventure to the South Pacific.

He returned to Bainbridge Island and remained an avid boatman and became an involved grandfather.

He had a passion for adventure and a love of good food, boats, jazz, and books.

He read widely and passed along to his family his spirit of adventure, and memories of his boyhood on a Texas ranch.

He was preceded in death by his son Jim.

He is survived by Lucile Parker, his wife of 59 years; daughters Peggy Vanbianchi and husband Ron, and Darcy Parker and husband Roy Colven; and grandchildren Adriana and Carmen Vanbianchi and Jimmy and Clara Colven.

A private memorial gathering will be held on Bainbridge Island.

Remembrances may be made to the Bainbridge-Ometepe Sister Island Association, PO Box 4484, Rolling bay, WA 98061-0484.