James Michael ‘Mike’ Parnell
James Michael ‘Mike’ Parnell, 58 of Cardington, Ohio, died unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, November 5, 2011.
He was born on July 13, 1953 in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, to James J. and Sara (Hull) Parnell.
He is survived by his mother of Lafayette, Louisiana; a son, James Matthew Parnell of Clearwater, Florida, and a daughter, Jessica Algeo of Chillicothe; one grandson, Kane Algeo; two sisters: Sandra (Thomas) Stewart of Lafayette, Louisiana, and Linda Parnell of Tallahassee, Florida. He is also survived by four nieces: Jocelyn (Jonathan) Hoag; Jordan, Jansen, and Jema Parnell; and one nephew Jason (Tabitha) Stewart; two grandnieces: Sidney and Riley Stewart and three grandnephews: Aiden Stewart, Declan Hoag and Ian Hoag. He is also survived by his closest and dearest friend, Margaret Van Sickle of Delaware. James was preceded in death by his father.
James earned bachelor’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, University of California (Pennsylvania) and Penn State University; he earned master’s degrees from the University of Findlay in education, from Baker University in business administration with a specialization in human resources. He graduated from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio in 2009 with a Master’s degree in theological studies and was currently enrolled in the Doctor of Ministries program at the Ashland Theological Seminary. He was an instructor at the Course of Study School of Ohio at MTSO, an adjunct professor at Ohio Christian University, and an employee of Pearson Measurements.
He was a member of Lincoln Masonic Lodge No. 19 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees for the United Methodist Ministries of Southern Morrow County and as a volunteer for the Mid-Ohio Food Bank distribution center in Cardington.
He was a certified candidate for ordination as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Harmony Chapel United Methodist Church.
The Rodman Neeper Funeral home is assisting the family with services. A celebration of life and burial will be in the CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH CEMETERY Chalk Hill, Pennsylvania in a private ceremony at a later date. Family members and friends will receive visitors from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 12, 2011, at the RODMAN NEEPER FUNERAL HOME. To share a memory of James or to express condolences, please visit rodmanneeper.com. Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of the donor’s choice or to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231.