James H Parker

Deacon James Horace Parker, 91, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026.

James was born on August 16, 1934, in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Horace and Rebecca Parker. From an early age, he valued education, hard work, and serving others.

He attended schools in Philadelphia and later graduated from Cheyney University with a degree in Education. While at Cheyney, he was an outstanding basketball player and was later inducted into the University's Hall of Fame. He also earned a Master's Degree in Education from Penn State University.

James spent more than 30 years working in the Harrisburg School District as a dedicated coach, beloved teacher, and distinguished principal. He was an interim HR Director at Harrisburg Community College. James also loved helping young people learn and grow and was respected by students, families, and colleagues throughout his career.

As a man of faith, James faithfully served as a Deacon and Choir Member at St. Paul's Missionary Baptist Church in Harrisburg. He was also a lifetime member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He received many awards in his various professions, as well as his fraternity, and proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his sisters, Delphine Mae Parker and Alice Geraldine Parker, and his step-grandson, Reginald Martinez Carrier.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 33 years, Alice Parker; his son, Michael James Parker (Patricia) of Harrisburg; his daughter, Michele Joy Parker Howard (Christopher) of Pittsburgh, and their mother Joyce Scott-Parker. He was a proud grandfather to Chantelle Rebecca Parker, Shaena Marie Parker (Preston), and Kacy Joyce Howard Grayson (Jamie).

He is also survived by his step-children, Jigger Mercado (Melissa) and Christine Mercado of Pasadena, California; step-grandchildren, Dion Maurice Carrier; Jaylah, Jaylan, Niah, Jaymeson, Brayden, Jayce, and Zayden Mercado; a host of great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026, at St. Paul's Missionary Baptist Church beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Hooper Memorial Home, Inc. www.hooperfuneral.com.