Obituary of John H Parsons
John Henry Parsons, 85, more commonly known as “Jack” by family and friends, passed away at his home with his loving family by his side on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 after a brief illness.
Jack was born March 5, 1939 to John T. and Anna Mae Wright Parsons. He was a 1957 graduate of Oriskany High School where he participated in basketball and track and was a member of the Future Farmers of America. He spent his younger years working on the family farm. Later, he proudly served his nation as a member of the United States Air Force Reserves during the Vietnam War.
His love for wildlife led him to an almost 30-year career in conservation at the New York State Fish Hatchery (1970-1998).
During this time, in 1980, he met the love of his life, Mary Anna Gizzo Medlin. They shared over 43 wonderful years together, with many great family memories with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His family was his greatest joy in life, and he always enjoyed spending time together, from “taxi” rides at all hours to Sunday breakfasts and dinners to big family cookouts.
Jack also enjoyed gardening, fishing, mowing his lawn, making his own wine, and John Deere tractors. He had a natural green thumb, and anything he touched grew exceedingly well, particularly his Christmas cacti, of which he was very proud, as he distributed them to anyone who would take them. He was also very fond of the prize-winning irises he transplanted.
Surviving besides his loving wife, Mary Anna Medlin; are his children, Thomas (Barbara) Medlin Jr., Alexander Medlin, Mary Kay (Mark) LaGasse, Paula Come; his grandchildren, Thomas III (Erin), Justin, Kayla (Keith), Travis (Drew), Jessica, Stephen, Susie (Woody), Alex II, Maria (Jon), Mark II (Deanna), Daymian (Kat), Kaitlin (Josh), Kyle, Kaleb (Nikki); several great-grandchildren; and his “son and daughter” Yasin and Zakia Husainy and their children.
Jack also leaves behind daughter, Sarah Parsons; sisters, Brenda Reid, Marialice Leonard, Lorna Wolridge, and Sally Andre; several nieces and nephews, and additional granddaughters and great- grandchildren whom he did not see often but loved nevertheless.
He was predeceased by a son, Hank Parsons; a daughter, Linda Parsons; a grandson, Joshua Medlin; and a sister, Pete Bowers.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dave Taubert, a lifelong friend, Hospice, and the many friends and family members who have reached out and/or assisted in various ways to help get, bring, and keep Jack home according to his wishes during this difficult time.
Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
