James R. Parlette

James “Jim” R. Parlette, 72, of Graytown, Ohio, passed away on February 5, 2015, in Columbus, Ohio, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Genoa, Ohio, on November 10, 1942, to Clarence and Luella (Gerkensmeyer) Parlette. Jim graduated from Genoa High School in 1960 and graduated from The Ohio State University in 1967. Jim married his college sweetheart, Donna R. Schmelz, at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Genoa, Ohio, on October 8, 1966. Jim was a lifelong farmer and lifetime member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Genoa, Ohio. He retired from Rural Community Insurances Services in 2011 as a crop area supervisor. Jim served 38 years on the Ottawa County Fair Board and was elected President of the Fair Board for two terms as well as held various other offices. He was also dedicated to 4-H youth development. Jim loved his family and extended family and enjoyed being around them, especially his grandsons. Much appreciation goes to his wife, Donna, and all his care providers at The Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital, who helped him bravely fight and live with extended illness. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Edwin Hall. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Donna, beloved children, James (Shannon) Parlette and Beth (Wesley) Bolyard, much loved grandsons, Noah, Quinn and Riley Parlette, and Nate and Ben Bolyard, darling sisters, Diane (Ted) Huss and Carol Hall, and numerous adored nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of good friends. Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, February 11, 2015. in the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home Crematory, 501 West St. Genoa, Ohio. A funeral service will be conducted for Jim at 11 a.m., Thursday, February 12, 2015, in St. John’s United Church of Christ, 1213 Washington St. in Genoa, with interment to follow in the Ellison Cemetery, Elliston, Ohio. The family suggests that memorial contributions for Jim be directed to the Parlette Compassion Fund at St. John United Church of Christ, Genoa or the Ottawa County 4-H Endowment Scholarship Fund, The Ohio State University Extension, Ottawa County, 240 W. Lake Street, Unit C, Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449.