James Parris, 85, a long-time Eau Claire, WI resident, passed away unexpectedly on April 8, 2025, in Indialantic, Florida. James, aka JP or Jim, was born October 6, 1939, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Anastasios and Johanna Parris. Known for his kindness and optimism, he was the Senior class President at West Division High School and graduated from UW-Milwaukee, where he ran track for two years and earned a degree in Economics.

Jim moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, in 1974 with his three boys, where he met Rosemarie Hanson (DiPalma), who became the love of his life for the next 48 years until his passing. Jim worked for 38 years as a Branch Manager at Crawford & Company, a national independent insurance claims management and adjusting firm. James volunteered with various Chippewa Valley civic groups, including significant time with the Eau Claire Regis High School community and the former Sun Downers Drum and Bugle Corps.

More importantly, James left the legacy of a loving husband, father, and trusted friend to many in his community. Jim was the kind of man who showed up for the big moments but, often more importantly, for the everyday moments.

Jim married Rosemarie and helped raise a blended family of seven kids, three from his first marriage and four stepchildren he embraced as his own. He became a steady, loving father figure to his granddaughters, Laurie and Michelle.

Jim was "old-school" in the best way—he didn't always speak his emotions out loud, but you felt them all the same. You saw it in how he listened without distraction, remembered the little details of his family and friends' lives, and asked how things were going with genuine interest. Jim was someone you could count on to be fully present, and others were drawn to his authenticity.

Jim was highly social and truly enjoyed others. He had a gift for conversation, whether over his "Diet Coke," a lunch, or a quick chat with someone new. He connected with people easily and made them feel important, seen, and genuinely cared for. Many people would later describe him as a "second dad." Asked in 2002 to be the "Best Man" at one of his son's friends ' weddings, Jim could forge great friendships across generations.

In his career, Jim mentored and led with grace. He was known for being supportive, fair, and quietly transformational. He built up the people around him, cultivated their potential, and grew his employees professionally and personally. Many of those he hired or worked with became lifelong friends.

Jim rarely missed much with his kids. He attended every football game, tennis match, basketball game, or track meet. He attended music performances and drum corps competitions, enjoying and rooting for his boys and their teammates and friends. When the next generation of his wife's family arrived, he babysat, mentored, and supported his step-grandkids with that same devotion.

Jim had a playful side, too. He was laid-back, quick with a laugh, and easy to be around. Self-deprecating and fun, he was a Hall of Fame bingo caller and originator of the "Parris Shuffle" dance move, and plenty "Jim-isms" of advice for family and friends!

Jim also had a soft spot for underdogs, for people who were a little overlooked. He went out of his way to include, listen to, and value them. Jim had a gift for accepting people as they were. He believed you could be humble and driven; that balance defined how he lived and led. He left a legacy through the individuals he lifted, loved, and believed in. We miss him deeply, but we carry him with us in how we show up and treat others.

James Parris was preceded in death by his grandson, Tucker Parris, and his stepson, Brian Hanson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Rosemarie Parris; and his children Jim (Joan) Parris, Joe Parris, Jeff (Jackie) Parris, Shawn Putnick, Carin Schultz, and Patrick Hanson (Hillary); his grandchildren Laurie Krall, Michelle Hairston, Benjamin Tibbets, Christopher Tibbets, Allison (Jim) Dolensky, Daniel Parris (Aneta), Emily Parris, Jeffrey Parris, McKenna Parris, and Jonathon Parris; and 13 great-grandchildren. His older brother and only sibling, Thomas Parris, also survived him.

A visitation and Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 9, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Eau Claire, WI. The visitation will start at 9:30 a.m. at Father Eugene Klink Hall, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at the church, and lunch at Father Eugene Klink Hall at noon.

In place of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Regis Foundation (regiscatholicschoolsfoundation.com) or Heifer International, the nonprofit choice of his late grandson, Tucker Parris, or to the charity of your choice.