James Harry Parton

James Harry Parton, 89, of Rancho Palos Verdes, died peacefully on June 29, 2018 in Torrance, California. Jim was born June 30, 1928 in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. Jim grew up in West Virginia and attended Charleston High School, where he was a top basketball and football player. He served in the United States Marine Corp from 1946-1952, and served during WWII and the Korean War. Jim graduated San Diego State University.

Jim joined the Marine Corp in September 1946 and served in the 2nd Marine Corp Division, Cam Le June, North Carolina, and at the Third Marine Corp Reserve District office, New York. While serving in Le June he was a member of the 2nd Marine Corp Division championship football team. In August 1950, he was recalled to active duty in the Marine Corp Reserve and traveled to Camp Pendleton, California and joined the USS Marine Corp 1st Division, and served in the office of the recruit training center. Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corp as a Private and was separated from the Corp as a Tech Sergeant. Jim served eight years of service and received the WWII Victory Ribbon.

Jim met his wife, Dorothy May Thompson, on a blind date. They married on January 13, 1951 in Wichita, Kansas, lived in San Diego, and eventually moved to Rancho Palos Verdes in 1966 with their four children.

Jim was the Personnel Director with Copley Press, Inc. for over 40 years. He was very active in his children’s lives, often coaching their sporting teams; and later enjoyed watching and cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events. He was an active member of Rotary International – past president of the Manhattan Beach Rotary Club, a long-time member of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Club, and a member of the Elks Club. Jim was an avid golfer, and a dedicated USC and Dodgers fan, and spent his retired life traveling the world. But Jim’s favorite pastime was spending time with family. He was very proud of his family and enjoyed the family trips to Hawaii, Mexico, and Alaska.

Jim is survived by his four children: Lora (Brian) Reynolds, Martha (Jim) Garner, Jamie Parton, and Julia (Richard) Rosas; six grandchildren; David Garner, Delana Garner, Joshua Harris, Edward Rosas, James Rosas, and Ella Schwob; sister-in-law, Mae Parton; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased in death by wife of 42 years, Dorothy M. Parton, mother of their four children; and second wife, Judy Gale Parton. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Donna Reiley, Betty Atkinson, Jack Parton, and William Parton.

Jim’s memorial service and internment will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.