Ether James Parke

BURLEY - Ether James Parke, 54, passed away Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015, at his home in Burley, Idaho, with his loving family at his side after a long-endured, hard-fought battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

Jim was born Feb. 16, 1961, in Burley, Idaho, to Janet Parke. He was later adopted by his grandparents, Ether Jay and Norma Garbanti Parke of Malta, Idaho. Jim spent his childhood life in Malta where he grew up with the love of animals, especially horses. Jim was an avid cowboy who loved Rock 'N' Roll music. He rodeoed for Raft River High School all four years and was exceptional in his competitions. As a child, he had his own bobcat, and a dog named Scooter, who protected him to the point that even his grandmother was not allowed to get close to him. He graduated from high school in May 1979, and completed four years of LDS Seminary.

After graduation, he went on to the College of Southern Idaho where he earned his associate degree in diesel mechanics. He started working for Gem International directly after graduation. He married his first wife, Rexanne Jacobs, in March 1985. They later divorced.

He then drove milk truck for Stoker Milk while starting his own business, Jim Parke Diesel Service in Burley. Jim was always a hard worker. He was usually the first to show up at the job and the last to leave. He always took pride in his work and his ability to provide for his family. Jim had an immense amount of knowledge. People could call at any time with questions and he would be able to answer their questions and help them solve any problem they may have.

Jim married the love of his life, JoAnn Melissa Hodges, on July 22, 1989, in Malta, Idaho. Jim and JoAnn spent the first ten years of their married life living next to Jim's parents, taking care of them in their elderly years. As soon as possible, Jim purchased a motorcycle. He loved vintage motorcycles and especially enjoyed riding them. He also loved vintage cars and liked restoring them. Jim and JoAnn were married a year when they started to tractor pull with Rocky Mountain and Utah Puller's Association with their tractors, Thunder Bunny and Grimm Reaper. They travelled everywhere in Idaho and Utah to tractor pull events for ten years. They were also avid snowmobilers.

Jim later went to work for Renegade Construction travelling all over the United States installing fiber optics for the next ten years. He was the main mechanic, welder, and also did fabrication for them. He enjoyed working for Renegade where he acquired a lifetime bond of family and friends.

He and JoAnn settled down in Burley in 2000, where they bought their first home with the intent to adopt a family. Their first two girls, Courtney Melissa and Emmalyne Jamie, were adopted in 2002. The next five children, Christian Albert, Nohemi Elizabeth, Francisco Javier, Fernando Ether, and Stephanie Aurora, came into their home in 2006. Their last son, James Anthony, joined them in 2007. They were able to adopt these children on Dec. 10, 2007, and the family was later sealed in the Logan Utah LDS Temple on July 3, 2008. With the adoption of eight children, tractor pulling and snowmobiling came to an abrupt end and family life with a full house began. The one thing that stands out with his children is Jim taught them to try to exceed the norm and strive to do better. He taught them to work hard in school as well as out of school and placed in them the desire to do anything they set their minds to.

Jim went to work for Schow's Truck Center as a diesel mechanic and has worked for them until his death. The Schows have treated Jim and his family like gold. Their help and concern have bolstered them through this difficult time.

Jim is survived by his wife, JoAnn, of 26 years; his eight children, Christian, Nohemi, Francisco, Courtney, Fernando, Stephanie, Emmalyne and James; his birth mother, Janet McFarland; his brother, Kenneth Arthur; and a sister, Tera Anne. He was preceded in death by his adoptive parents (grandparents).

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18, at the Burley LDS West Stake Center, 2420 Parke Ave., in Burley, with Bishop M. Terry Jeppson officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

Friends may call from 5 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday at the church.