James Ronald Parrish

James Ronald Parrish, 74, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, a dear and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away suddenly August 2, 2023, after a brief illness. Jim was born August 22, 1948, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The middle child of five, Jim was an excellent student and mediocre athlete. After graduating from Forest Hills High School, he earned degrees from Grand Rapids Junior College and Ferris State College (now University) where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Jim began his career with the CPA firm of Seidman & Seidman in Grand Rapids. After several years, he joined his parents in the family firm, Parrish Accounting Service, PC. He eventually became the owner and President of the firm and stayed in those roles until his passing.

Jim was active in several business associations and volunteered as an adviser for Junior Achievement. When not working, he very much enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife of 46 years, Meredyth. They created great memories around the world, starting with their honeymoon in French Lick, Indiana and included staying on a game reserve in South Africa, chartering a plane to fly to Zambia to see Victoria Falls, visits to Ireland, Scotland, Spain, and Portugal, and many US destinations. Jim also loved games of all kinds, from board games to cards, and was an avid (and successful) poker player.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons Patrick Thompson (Kathleen Smith) and Zachary Thompson (Stacy Bartell), grandson Sebastian Gallegos Thompson, siblings Susan Strobel, Linda Parrish and Ken Parrish, brother-in-law James Minucci, nieces Shelley Strobel Erhardt, Jill Sanderson, Juile Lanka, Kristen Gresh and Lyndsey Eksili, nephews Steven Minucci and Tom Minucci, and great-nieces Mara, Anna and Lauren.  Jim is predeceased by his parents, Harold and Grace Parrish, brother Robert Parrish and father- and mother-in-law Russell and Vivian Wirtz.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held, Saturday, September 23, 2023, at O’Brien Eggebeen Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Visitation with the family will begin at 2:00 pm with a brief memorial service at 3:00.