James E. Parry, age 72, was called to his eternal home with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 31, 2026, at Atrium Health Hospice in Monroe, North Carolina, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on January 13, 1954, in Clintonville, Wisconsin, the son of the late Edward and Joyce Parry.

Throughout his early education in Clintonville, Jim excelled in his studies, particularly in areas that led him toward his chosen field of electrical engineering. During that time, he also discovered a passion for all things automotive. His first serious projects included the restoration of a 1955 Volkswagen Beetle and an early 1960s Ford Galaxie. Jim is remembered by classmates and members of the community as outgoing, positive, and, most of all, caring and helpful—a good friend to many.

Upon graduating from high school, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served at Naval Air Station Kingsville in Texas, specializing in jet engine maintenance. Following his military service, he returned to Wisconsin and began his studies at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside.

He married Judy Danke on August 12, 1978, and was blessed with two daughters, Jenni and Molly. In 1981, he graduated from UW–Parkside with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, with an emphasis in Computerized Process Control Systems. He began his career with Kimberly-Clark Corporation and later continued at TRW in Winona, Minnesota, where he worked for 16 years.

Jim married Kandi Johnson on December 24, 2004. They initially lived in Montrose, Colorado, near Kandi’s family, and later moved to Monroe, North Carolina. There, he worked for Denver Global Products in Lincolnton, North Carolina, until his retirement following the company’s closure.

Jim cherished his 22 years with Kandi and always considered her children as part of his own family. In retirement, he continued pursuing his love of working on and restoring automobiles. Throughout his life, he was a source of joy to his siblings, neighbors, and friends, and was always willing to offer guidance and help with auto, home, and work projects.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Kandi; daughters Jenni and Molly; stepchildren Sarah, Kristina, and Rebecca; sister Jane; brother Jay; and grandchildren Seth, Demetri, Audrey, Brady, Anthony, and Christopher.

A service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Holland Funeral Service, 806 Circle Drive, Monroe, NC 28112.

His legacy of kindness, service, and love will live on in all who knew him.

Holland Funeral Service is serving the Parry Family.