James DuBois Parker

James DuBois Parker died at 90 of natural causes on March 25, 2025, at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, Va. He left this world peacefully and with dignity, with his wife and son by his side.

He was born on March 8, 1935, in Sampson County, N.C., to the late James Paul Parker and Mamie Williams Parker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Erica; two brothers, Alfred and Clifford Parker; and three sisters, Pauline Butler, Grey Pack and Joyce Crumpler.

He spent his childhood on the family tobacco farm, although over time he found that farm life was not his true calling. After graduating from Clinton High School in 1953, in search of adventure, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. A decorated combat veteran, he served for more than 30 years until his retirement with the rank of Sergeant Major in 1983. His combat deployments included tours in Korea and Vietnam. He also spent time stationed in Germany and Japan, along with other international postings. He was badly injured after driving over a land mine while stationed in Korea. In 1972, he was stationed in Panama, which was a life-changing experience for him.

In 1977, he married the love of his life, Marta Caballero, who he met in Panama. That same year, he returned to the U.S. with his wife, where they settled in Northern Virginia. They were together for 47 years, all of them happy.

In 1981, the couple had a son, John. At home, he educated him on topics like the outdoors, sports, the importance of humor, and, always, the eternal and unchanging nature of people. He was a free thinker and an avid reader. He was a storyteller who enjoyed regaling his family and friends with tales from his travels around the world. His reading and life experiences convinced him that God is real. He had an outlaw spirit tempered by decency.

His final years in military service were at the Pentagon and at Fort Myer, Va. After his retirement from the Army in 1983, he spent the next few years working different jobs, culminating in a role with the Warner Corporation in 1985. In 1995, he left Warner as Chief of Operations but continued to work as a school bus driver and, later, worked at a retirement home driving senior citizens to events in the National Capital area. He retired for good in 2007.

He spoke to his son every day and had dinner with him several times a week for 20 years at home, always prefaced by a story from his extensive life experiences. Throughout his life, he fervently loved dogs, including his cherished Chocolate Labrador, Harley.

He is survived by his beloved wife Marta, son John Paul, sister Judith Powell; two nieces whom he adored, Trixie Wallace and Roxie Gocke, and many other nieces and nephews. He was the toughest human being anyone in his family ever knew, and also the kindest and most loyal.

A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, June 14, at 1:00 PM at the Clinton Cemetery with Brad Magill officiating.

Royal-Hall of Clinton, NC is honored to serve the Parker family.