James "Jim" Squires Parkinson

James Squires Parkinson, 94, passed away May 12, 2025, at his home in Logan Utah. Born in Parker, Idaho, March 13, 1931, he was the seventh child of Sedlie Williams Parkinson and Emma Kate Squires in a family of eleven.

Jim spent his early years in Utah and Idaho. He graduated high school in Arco, Idaho. He enlisted in the Marines where he served in Florida and California as an airplane mechanic. After his service in the Marines Jim served a full time mission in the western states.

Jim married Bonnie H Belnap August 16, 1957, in the Idaho Falls LDS temple. They had 5 sons and 3 daughters.

Jim graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He worked at Thiokol, then decided to go back to school for a teaching certificate. Jim taught school in Perry and Honeyville. He spent most of his teaching career at Honeyville Elementary teaching 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. He really enjoyed his students and his students loved him.

Jim served as Bishop of the Beaver Ward and was a valiant home teacher.

After losing his wife Bonnie, and son Seth, in a car accident, he married Karaleen Kay July 16, 1976, in the Logan LDS Temple. They became the parents of their 9th child.

Jim retired from teaching school in 1992.

Jim and Kerry served missions in Mongolia, Connecticut, and the Bishop's storehouse in Brigham City, Jim also served in the Logan LDS temple.

Jim enjoyed fishing, camping and anything outdoors. He especially enjoyed his 2 fishing trips to Alaska. He loved to read and wouldn't miss his daily walk. Jim loved to fix things and enjoyed spending time with his family.

Jim was preceded in death by his first wife Bonnie, his son Seth, both parents and all of his siblings. He is survived by his wife Karaleen (Kerry) Kay; his 8 children Quin (Susan) Parkinson, Therina (Richard) Alexander, Jan (Leonard) Hawkes, Larel (Kim) Parkinson, Ted (Shauna) Parkinson, Blake (JuDean) Parkinson, Marcie Hirschi and Diana (Rodney) Janda. Thirty grandchildren and 58 great grandchildren.

A service to honor Jim’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 11 A.M. Viewings will take place on Monday evening May 19, 2025, from 6-8 P.M., and prior to the funeral service on Tuesday morning from 9:00-10:30 A.M. All services will be held at the Beaver Ward Chapel located at 16025 N Beaver Dam Rd. Collinston UT 84306. Interment will take place in the Beaver Dam Cemetery.

The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed below.

Jim leaves behind a profound legacy of love, kindness and commitment to his God and family. He will be deeply missed.

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT PAN THE CROWD AND THE CAMERA IS FIXED UPON THE PULPIT. WE WILL TRY AND LIVESTREAM THE FUNERAL SERVICE. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SO, DUE TO THE INTERNET SERVICE AT THE CHURCH, A RECORDING WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN 24-48 HOURS AFTER THE SERVICE.