Mr. James Howard “Sparkplug” Parkman, 56, died December 22, 2013, at his home in rural Jefferson Davis County. Services for Mr. Parkman were held on December 28 at Laird Mortuary Chapel, with Rev. Harlon Gholar officiating. Laird Mortuary, LLC was in charge of all arrangements.

Mr. Parkman was the son of the late Eva Ruth Barnes Parkman of rural Jefferson Davis County. At an early age he joined the Shady Grove MB Church, and remained a member until he moved from the area.

Mr. Parkman was reared and educated in the Jefferson Davis County area, and worked most of his adult life as an automobile mechanic. In addition to being known for his ability to repair and rebuild engines, Mr. Parkman was renowned for his ability to build winning racecars.

Mr. Parkman’s survivors include four children, Teresa Stringer of Monticello, Eva Parkman, James H. Parkman, Jr., both of Gulfport, and Shelia Conley of Jackson; three brothers, David Parkman of Chicago IL, Chuck Graves of Silver Creek, and Jerry Parkman of Mandeville, LA; two sisters, Linda Barnes and Carolyn Parkman Williams, both of Prentiss; a special friend, Debbi Williams of Prentiss; seven grandchildren; and a number of other relatives and friends.