James Neil Parr

James Neil Parr passed away suddenly on December 4, 2025, in Houston, Texas. He was born on April 11, 1965, in San Diego, California, and grew up in Bakersfield, California. Later he relocated to Texas for his professional career and came to embrace it wholeheartedly.

Known throughout his life as James, Jimmy, or Jim, he was a man with a commanding presence and a personality that filled every room. His bold energy, sharp wit, and natural charisma drew people to him, leaving a lasting impression wherever he went.

James was a graduate of Foothill High School in Bakersfield and attended Bakersfield College. He proudly served his country in the California Army National Guard. James built a distinguished career in the energy industry, holding roles as an electrician and later as an automation, instrumentation, and control systems engineer. He earned numerous professional certifications and was widely respected for his technical expertise. Among the highlights of his career was his work on the Leviathan offshore natural gas platform in the Mediterranean Sea, where he played a key role in training and guiding Israeli personnel toward independent operation of the facility.

An avid traveler, James inherited his love of exploration from his mother and delighted in discovering new places—often going out of his way simply to say he had been somewhere new. He had a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors. Most recently, James traveled to Yellowstone National Park, a journey that reflected his enduring love of nature and adventure.

James is survived by his cherished companion Carolyn and step-children Daniel, Laura, Matthew and Summer. James is also survived by his eldest sister, Nancy Schwartz, his closest friend and confidant. He regarded her husband, Robert (1951–2012), as a second father figure. Their children—Vicky Hankins and her husband Charles, and Lloyd Schwartz, widower of Deryle Kidner (1949–2024)—held deep affection for their Uncle Jimmy. James is further survived by his sister Barbara Parr-Rodriguez and her children, Meghan and Anthony; and his sister Susan Blizzard, her husband Ron, and their children, Chrystal and Michael. James is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth J. Parr (1925–1999) and Margaret V. Parr (Lane) (1936–2011). He is also preceded in death by his brother, Carl D. Jenkins (1957–1993), whose early passing deeply affected him. To his family, James brought generosity, loyalty, humor, and his strong presence.

As a man of deep faith, James firmly knew that when he left his earthly body, he would be welcomed into heaven to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.