Mr. Jessie Parks went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Covenant HealthCare Cooper, in Saginaw, Michigan. He was born on November 3, 1948, in Osceola, Arkansas, to the late James and Ruthie Mae (Nicholson) Parks.

Jessie was educated at Rosenwald School in Osceola, Arkansas, where he distinguished himself as a talented basketball player and star athlete. Shortly after graduating in 1968, he proudly answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Marine Corps. Following his honorable discharge from the military, Jessie relocated to Saginaw, Michigan, in 1972. He began a career with General Motors and remained a dedicated employee until his retirement in 2014. He had to be sick to take a day off.

Jessie was a faithful member of Zion Valley Missionary Baptist Church. He sang in the Men’s Quartet under the leadership of Pastor John Rincher. Oh, he loved to sing around the house and in the car; oh yes, he loved to sing. Jessie was the best Bar-B-Quer of all time! He owned Drill’s BBQ on Washington back in the day. He was a man who appreciated the simple pleasures of life and believed in taking care of family and others. He enjoyed watching Western movies and especially loved traveling and experiencing new places. Jessie will be remembered for the many lives he touched and the memories he created with his family and loved ones.

Jessie leaves to cherish his memory his loving children: daughter, Tuyona “Bank” (Alvin) Johnson of Kentucky; son, Jason (Laura) Parks of Texas; grandchildren, Armontey, Gabriel, Tony, Zacharius, Aaron, Andrew, Marcus, Savannah, Jessica, Frank, Jaimie, and Janeesa; his great-grandchildren, Roman, Israel, Naomi, Aubrey, Alaiah, Jasion, Miraya, Eliana, and Isaiah. He is also survived by his sisters, Katie Jones of Nevada, Patsy Parks of Michigan, and Sally Parks of Arkansas; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Jessie was preceded in death by his grandmother, Elvie Nicholson; parents, James and Ruthie Mae Parks; his sons, Donald James, Tony Parks, and Tony Williams; sisters, Ann Parks, Ruby Parks, and Pearlie Jean Parks; his brothers, James Parks, Clarence William Parks, Norman Lee Parks, Billy Joe Parks, Sylvester Parks, and Rickie Parks. 

Though he is no longer with us in body, the love he shared, the memories he created, and the lives he touched will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23