Obituary of Pastor Doctor James Franklin Parham

The Biography of Pastor Dr. James Franklin Parham, Jr. Dr. Parham was born in Tuskegee Alabama, the first child of James and Mattie Parham. Dr. Parham was reared in Sumter, South Carolina. He matriculated through the following schools: 1968 High School - Sumter High School 1970 South Carolina Technical College - A.S. Degree in Electronics 1975 Oakwood College - B.A. in Theology and Psychology 1977 Andrew University - Master of Divinity in Theology and Doctorate of Ministry Theology 1979 Gulf Coast Theological Seminary – Ph.D Systematic Theology He received his certifications in Christian counseling and National Motivational Counseling. He was married to the former Joan Marie Walker of San Fernando Valley California. They have three children, Nicole Marie Gardner, Mattisha Marie Parham, and James Christopher Parham. Dr. Parham’s pastoral career encompassed twenty churches within the following Conferences; Lake Region Conference, Allegheny West Conference, South Atlantic Conference and The Great Northeastern Conference. Jefferson Avenue Church of Rochester, New York was the last church he pastored. He was also the Ministerial and Area Coordinator of Western New York. Dr. Parham traveled extensively in his ministry. He was successful in conducting international crusades in Nairobi, Kenya, Egypt, and Canada. He also preached in many parts of Russia, Austria, Israel, and the West Indies. He lectured in Bosnia and Serbia. He was the first Black American to be invited to conduct a crusade in the former communist country of Hungary in Eastern Europe. He returned another year with his niece, Faithe DesChamps and his brother, Pastor Roy Parham. They established a church in Sechzard, Hungary. After retiring from his pastoral duties, he continued his ministry with his wife Joan by creating several businesses (Holistic Health Ministries and Holistic Family Life Ministries) that focused on Christian family and marriage counseling and healthy living. Dr. Parham also authored several books and workbooks. Researching and conducting seminars were the two things he loved to do best. Dr. Parham really loved his family. He enjoyed spending time with close friends, and he never met a stranger. He would always pray for others and encourage them to stay close to the Lord. He was a true servant of God. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 Presented by, The family of Dr. James Franklin Parham, Jr. A Wake Service will be held on Saturday, July 21st from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Miller Funeral Homes, Inc., 3325 Winton Road South (Click for a Map to the Funeral Home). A Prayer and Musical Selection will follow at 7:00 PM. A Home Going Service will be held on Sunday July 22, 2012 at 10:00 AM at the Jefferson Avenue Seventh Day Adventist Church, 309 Jefferson Avenue (Click for a Map to Church). A Viewing will precede the service from 9:00 – 9:45 AM. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday July 24th at 6PM in the Sumter Berea Seventh Day Adventist Church, 675 South Lafayette Street, Sumter, SC. (Click for a Map to the Church) Home Rochester, New York Birthplace Tuskegee, AL Donations Cards and Condolences may be sent to: Joan Parham & family 21 Riverferry Way Rochester, New York 14608 Contributions may be made to: Joan Parham at any Bank of America location