Jim Warner Parris

Jim Warner Parris, 68, of Savannah, Tenn. departed this life on December 12, 2014 in Jackson, Tennessee at the age of 68 years, 11 months, and 23 days. He was born on December 18, 1945 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, son to the late Robert David and Juanita Dellman Parris. He was united in marriage to Ruth Rodriguez Parris on June 23, 1979.

Jim was raised in Savannah and graduated from Central High School in 1963. He served his country in the United States Navyaboard the USS Long Beach from 1965 to 1971 during the Vietnam War. Upon his return from the service, Jim became an avid hunter of arrowheads and Native American artifacts in Hardin County and the surrounding areas. He was a member of multiple archaeological societies and in 1992 became a principal organizer of the Tennessee River Museum in Savannah, serving as president, director and curator for many years.

He worked for the Hardin County School System for 21 years in the maintenance department before retiring in 2001. A devoted Christian, Jim was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church and the Shugart Martin Sunday school class. He was involved with the Boy Scouts of America, serving as an assistant scoutmaster with Troop 34.

Jim was a voracious reader, especially of American and Civil War history. In retirement he enjoyed researching the genealogy of his family. He enjoyed working outside and could find a creative solution to any problem. He was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He was a generous and giving man, and will be missed greatly by his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Ruth, Jim is survived by three children, Lucas Parris and his wife, Jennifer, of Memphis, Tennessee, Caroline Parris of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Jubal Parris of Nashville, Tennessee; one brother, Robert Parris of Brandon, Florida; and one grandchild, Samuel Parris.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert David and Juanita Dellman Parris.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief or the Tennessee River Museum.