In Memory of Jerry Parks
Jerry Parks
Spouse: Emiko Parks
Children: Naomi, Christopher
Birthdate: April 16, 1953
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: January 9, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: January 21, 2024
Jerry Kenneth Parks was born in Rome, New York on April 16, 1953 to Kenneth and Donna Loveless. He had one brother, David, who was 5 years younger. Jerry had a nice childhood surrounded by his grandparents and parents. He often spoke of the snowy cold winters in upstate New York with lots of snow shoveling and ice hockey. Both of his parents were musicians, and music played a large role in his life. Jerry played the drums and guitar, participating in marching band in high school and occasionally performing with his dad and brother.
He attended college for two years at the State University of New York, with a focus on engineering. After graduating he became a musician full-time, soon touring as a drummer with a country western rock band, Southern Comfort. He often told the story of this time period, where he had a life-changing experience of finding his faith and giving his life to Jesus Christ. He left the music industry despite the band signing a record deal. “The music industry was a one-way ticket to Hell,” he recounted.
Jerry moved to Albany, NY, and in August of 1975 had another life-changing experience of faith in meeting and joining the Unification Church. He became a full-time missionary, coordinating events and workshops and playing music. He spent seven years in a missionary group called MFT and was a captain for 5 years. He was dedicated to the mission of bringing peace to the world and sharing the truth.
In 1980 in New York City, Jerry was introduced to and “matched” by Rev. Moon to Emiko Kuroi, from Niigata, Japan. They were blessed in marriage on July 1, 1982 at Madison Square Garden along with over 2,000 couples.
Jerry worked for a church-related machinery company, Saeilo Machinery, for about 10 years. The couple continued their missionary work, with Jerry even spending some time in Hong Kong. They spent a few years in Chicago, Illinois, where Jerry joined another band, this time with fellow church members. He wrote songs and played the drums for the band, called Jacob.
In 1989 Jerry and Emiko moved to New York, where their first child Naomi was born. In 1995, just before their second child, Christopher, was born, they moved to Florida to be closer to Jerry’s mother. In recent years, he often expressed to his children how proud he was of them.
Jerry had several health challenges over the years, battling diabetes for over 35 years and related kidney disease since 2018. He always kept fighting through the various challenges and kept up a good attitude, often using humor and telling jokes.
He was a generous friend, loving father, and caring husband. Jerry will be remembered as a dreamer and charismatic storyteller with lots of hope and optimism for a better life, for both the world and his family.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 10:30 AM
Location: Magnolia Room at Harry P. Leu Gardens (1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803)
The Parks Family thanks everyone for your support and for reaching out. You can continue to support the family by donating here: https://gofund.me/05998e50
If you wish to send a message to the family, please email: naomidonna@gmail.com or ricefield1@gmail.com
