James W. Parrent

James Wesley Parrent, 87, of Conrad, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Oakview Inc. in Conrad, Iowa. Jamess family will be holding a private memorial service for James at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed in Jamess name to his family. For further information or to send a condolence please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call (641)844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for James and his family. James Wesley Parrent was born on November 25, 1925 in Hurst, Illinois, the son of Leroy W. and Irene (Myers) Parrent. He was raised and educated in the Hurst school district graduating from Hurst High School. James was united in marriage to Betty (Meyer) Parrent on March 20, 1948 in St. Louis, Missouri. James honorably served our Country, joining the Navy in 1943. He went to college at DePauw University for one year and later transferred to Wabash University, Crawfordsville IN. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI. James went to radio school while being stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After radio school, James was transferred to Maui. James was a very active person being in many different memberships such as the Prairie Repose Board, Treasure of Shady Oaks, Lions Club, American Legion, Elks club, Treasurer of the Congregational Church, Band Booster, Parent Teacher Association, and a leader of a local Boy Scouts of America troop. James had many jobs throughout his lifetime including livestock marketing, insurance, Montgomery Wards, Bookkeeper for Midwest Rug Mill for 5 years in Amboy IL, Wahl Clipper as a computer processor and Data processor manager for twenty two years. James is survived by his wife Betty; children: Stephanie (Bill) Hitchings and Jackie Matzinger; grandchildren: Matt (Shanna) Lotz, Wendy (Todd) Heidorn, James and Dan Matzinger, As well as great grandchildren Bailey and Bryn Lotz, Finn and Ella Heidorn. He is preceded in death by his parents.