Jess H. Parrish was born to Hubert and Comilla Parrish of Ballinger, Texas on September 5, 1927 and died on Friday, February 6, 2015. He was adored by his “big” sister, Odena, from the beginning. They remained very close until her death in 1991. Jess enjoyed the many advantages of growing up in the small town – playing with his many friends and having the “run of the town” as a playhouse. He was active in school activities – drama, athletics, and most of all, band. His love with the trombone began in the fourth grade and continued through the Marine Corps, Texas Tech, and many different dance bands through the years.Jess often remembered the Sunday afternoon on December 7, 1941 when he heard of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It was on that day at age 14 that he and John Earnshaw made a mutual commitment to the Marine Corps. They followed up on the promise and enlisted together at age 17. They went different directions after boot camp but remained close friends for their lifetimes. Jess saw duty on Okinawa, Honolulu, and then was involved in the occupation of North China servicing in Tientsen, Peiping (Bejing) and Tsingtao while protecting American interests during the Nationalist/Communist revolution after the end of WW2. He completed his first tour of duty with the U.S. Marine Band in Quantico, Virginia.Jess enrolled at Texas Tech in 1949 to pursue a degree in Band. Within weeks he had met the love of his life, Miss Norma Eiring of Plainview, Texas whose parents, Mark and Mabel, treated him as a son until their deaths. Norma was also a music major and graduated from Texas Tech in 1950. Norma’s brother Don followed Jess into the Marines. Norma and Jess were a couple from the beginning and were planning to be married “sometime.” The “sometime” became immediate when the Korean War started and Jess was recalled to the Marine Corps in August of 1950. Norma joined him while he participated in the “Marines in Review” band which broadcast over ABC radio from Los Angeles and Camp Pendleton, California. After he completed the second tour with the Marine Corps he became High School Band Director at Hamlin, Texas. Their first son, Kip, had been born in 1952 while Jess was in college, and Kyle Mark was born in 1954 after the family had moved to Hamlin.After a few flings with oil companies and grocery stores, Jess went back to Texas Tech to complete a Doctorate in Educational Administration and that was the beginning of many years in education. He served as Dean of Students when Angelo State was becoming a four-year university, moved to the University of Memphis, Tennessee as Vice President for Student Affairs and then became founding President of Shelby State Community College (now merged with Southwest Community College) in Memphis. During those years he was involved in much of the racial stress that was going on during the 60’s and 70‘s and gave him his lifetime interest and love with people of different races and backgrounds. His life is commemorated with a “Jess H. Parrish Building” located on Beale Street in Memphis.Jess’s diverse positions gave him many opportunities for leadership positions in education. He served as Chairman of the Tennessee Presidents Council, President of the Southern Association of Community Colleges, President of the American Association of Community Colleges, and Chairman of the President’s Academy of the Community Colleges of America. He then accepted the position as President of Midland College in 1981 and served as legislative chairman for the Texas Community College Association until his retirement in 1991.Norma and Jess spent several years enjoying homes in New Mexico and chose to make Midland their permanent residence. He enjoyed the people of Midland and the many opportunities he had to serve on various committees and clubs in which he participated. His last years were spend at Manor Park with many friends.Jess is survived by his wife Norma, son Kip and his wife Terrye, son Kyle, and Kip’s two children Jackson and Taylor.Memorial services will be held at 10:00 am Monday, February 9, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church of Midland.In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be donated to a charity of your choice.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.,
