James Parke Obituary

James "Jim" Arthur Parke
SENECA - James "Jim" Arthur Parke, 72, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2018. He was born to Audrey and Arthur Parke in Glasgow, Montana on November 18, 1945. During his childhood, he was active with the Boy Scouts and earned the Eagle Scout Award. Jim was a 1964 graduate of Glasgow High School where he was co-captain of the football team and the Montana Governor of Key Club. He then attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota where he was the Student Body President and graduated in 1968 with a triple major in history, political science and economics.
Following graduation, Jim joined General Electric's Financial Management Program and built a career in finance with leadership roles on the GE Corporate Audit Staff as Chief Financial Officer of the GE Lighting, GE Aircraft Engines and GE Capital businesses. Jim was a well-respected business partner with an incredible financial mindset and passion for growth and excellence. He valued the development of others and was a genuine, insightful mentor dedicated to building a world-class finance team. In 2005, after a 37-year career, Jim retired from GE as Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of GE Capital Services and Senior Vice President of General Electric Company. In retirement, he continued to maintain a professional connection serving on the Board of Directors of Genworth Financial.
Jim's generous nature was as profound as his business career. He served as a Director of First Community Bancorp in Glasgow, where his father and his wife, Marilyn Sellers, had worked. He was an early and avid supporter of the not-for-profit buildOn and has served on the Board since the organization's founding over 25 years ago. Jim actively supported his alma mater. He served as a member of Concordia College's Investment Committee, assisted in the further innovation of its business program, and was integral in the creation of the Parke Student Leadership Center and the James Parke Technology Center. In May 2017, he was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Concordia College. He supported numerous other organization with his wisdom, time and financial resources.
Jim had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel. He was an expert skier and watching him ski his favorite run, Stein's Way, you realized he had one speed: fast. He inspired others with his determination to accomplish anything he set his mind to. Jim was a natural leader and one of the patriarchs of the Parke family quietly encouraging other to pursue their passion and success.
Jim and wife, Marilyn resided in Lake Keowee, SC and Deer Valley, UT Jim was preceded in death by his father: Arthur Parke; mother: Audrey Parke of Glasgow, MT; first wife: Shirley; and sister: Ardis Fuhrman of Fargo, ND.
Jim survived by his wife Marilyn of Seneca, SC; Marilyn's daughters: Kim Gillies (Mark) of Moose Jaw, Sask. and Jana Jackson of Aiken, SC; brother-in-law: Dennis Fuhrman of Sarasota, FL; niece: Dacia Gonzales (Robert) of Houston, TX; nephews: Brett Fuhrman (Karen) of Asheville, NC and Trevor Fuhrman (Lauren) of Denver, CO; Marilyn's grandchildren: Connor, Camryn, Cole and Brock; grandnephews and grandnieces: Alexander, Hannah, William, Andrew and Audrey; and many beloved cousins.
Donations can be made on Jim's behalf to the Glasgow High School Educational Trust, Jeanine Markle, CEO, 904 Wedum Drive, Glasgow, MT 59230.
A memorial service will be planned to celebrate his life.
Condolences may be sent to the family by
visiting www.davenportfuneralhome.com
DAVENPORT FUNERAL HOME IS IN CHARGE OF THE ARRANGEMENTS
PO Box 462, Walhalla, SC 29691
Phone: 864-638-3611 Fax: 864-638-0806