Jack Dee Parsons, Jr., 66, Grove , Okla., died Friday evening, Dec. 17, 2010 at home surrounded by his family. He was born on Dec. 5, 1944 in Columbus, to his parents, Jack Parsons, Sr. and Margaret J. Malcolm Parsons.

Jack grew up in West Mineral and Cherokee. Jack earned the following degrees, Bachelor’s in Science Education, Master’s in Education, and Bachelor’s in Nursing. He worked as an educator, a Registered Nurse, a Nurse Educator, and a Clinical Informatics Coordinator. As an educator, Jack worked for school districts in Kansas including Spring Hill, Frontenac, and Pittsburg. As a medical professional he worked at Mt. Carmel Hospital in Pittsburg, Oak Hill Hospital in Joplin, Mo., Grove General Hospital in Grove, Okla., Gravette Hospital in Gravette, Ark., and Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Mo.

Jack married Judy Snodgrass on March 10, 1984 in Pittsburg.

Jack lived a life of service to others both as a science teacher and later as a health care professional.  His patience, creativity, sense of humor, and kindness were invaluable qualities in both professions. He made significant contributions and established enduring friendships in every position he held.

Jack was a nature lover whose interests ranged from fishing to photography, birds to boating, cooking to computers, from listening to music to working on an endless variety of projects. He most enjoyed, however, spending time with friends and family. He was a mentor and inspiration to many whose lives he touched.

Jack will be remembered for his humility and integrity; his unselfish and gentle spirit, always thinking of others before himself; a smile that could light up the room; his courage, grace and dignity in the face of adversity; and his love of family and friends.

Jack is survived by his wife, Judy; his mother Margaret Jean, Grove, Okla.; and his brother Steve and wife Dee Ann Parsons, Chanute. He was preceded in death by his father.

A Service celebrating Jack’s life will be held 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28 at the Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home Chapel in Grove, Okla. Prior to the service the family will receive friends from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment of Jack’s cremains will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29 in the Cherokee Cemetery in Cherokee. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010 at the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg. Family and Friends may view the obituary online and send condolences at www.honoringmemories.com. Donations may be made to the Freeman Cancer Institute, Good Shepherd Hospice or American Cancer Society.