James Elmer Parker, age 84 of Manchester, TN passed away peacefully on Friday, July 31, 2026.

He was born June 8, 1942, in Muncie, IN to the late Ernest Raymond and Lillie Williams Parker.

He grew up and lived in the Gilley Hill community in Cannon County until graduating high school. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and did 2 tours in the Vietnam War. Upon leaving the Army, he attended and graduated from MTSU with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Science.

He retired from Bridgestone – Firestone Tire in LaVergne, TN. After his retirement, he spent his years walking the greenway, playing golf, metal detecting for treasures, and spending time with his friends and his special friend, Jewell.

James was a history buff, loved collecting / trading coins, and metal detecting for civil war artifacts.

He is survived by his sister, Velma Hollandsworth; nieces and nephews, Sonja Luckie; Jimmy (Guizhu) Hollandsworth II; Leann (Chad) Partin; great nieces and nephews, Adam (Heather) Carter; Seth Brassfield; Jimmy (Macy) Hollandsworth III; Jake Hollandsworth; Maggie Partin; Will Partin; special friend, Jewell Delk; her granddaughter Kristie Baldwin and family; and a host of friends that are family.

Graveside service will be held at Coleman Cemetery, August 5, 2026, at 2:00pm with Pastor Bob Bush officiating.

If you would like to make donations to causes very dear to James, donations can be made to Gary Sinise Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or Willow Brook Jr. Golf Program.