Obituary of James Wesley Parton

James Wesley Parton, 78, of Independence, KY passed serenely, enveloped in the love of family at Cold Spring Transitional Care, Cold Spring, KY on December 3, 2024. Born in Covington, KY on December 13, 1945, he was the son of the late Willis Parton and Edna [Parks] Parton.  

A proud graduate of Covington Catholic, Jim made a career with Kroger.  He worked for over 32 years at the State Avenue Plant, crafting candy and sauces. While Kroger was Jim’s bread and butter, cars were his passion. He and his brother Will opened Parton Bros. Service Station in 1983.  An avid drag racer, Jim frequented the local tracks of Edgewater and Thornhill. 

Naturally, it’s understandable that a car was also involved the fateful day that Jim met the love of his life, Janice Grefer. Needing to make change for a piece of bubble gum at the old 5th Street Frisch’s in Covington, Jan approached Jim’s car – an impressive red Oldsmobile 442 with white racing stripes- and tapped on the window.  The rest, so they say, is history – 51 amazing years to be exact. 

But not every second of Jim’s life revolved around a motor. He enjoyed quiet and simple times too—whether that meant camping with his granddaughters and family, playing a round of cards with loved ones, or sitting on the front porch with his dog Lizzy and a friend.  

Jim was a beloved husband for 51 years to Jan [Grefer] Parton; dear dad to Beth (Jeff) Holakowski; treasured brother to Linda (John) Chambers as well as brother-in-law to Jack (Karen) Grefer, Jerry (Gina) Grefer, Jeannie (Jeff) Butler, Jim (Diane) Grefer, and Jeff Grefer.  He was also an adored Papa to Alli and Emmi and will be missed by multiple nieces, nephews, cousins and racing buddies.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his cherished son Matt Parton; his brother Willis “Will” Parton, Jr; and his sister Mary Ann Parton Treadway. 

Whether you knew him as husband, dad, brother, papa, JP, or Big Jim—this man’s life and legacy run deep.  He will be greatly missed but also lovingly remembered.   

Please come to the visitation which will be held for Jim on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Chambers & Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY, 41051. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy he leaves behind from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. A Mass Of Christian Burial will be held the following day, Monday, December 9, 2024 at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, 5313 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051 at 10:00 AM. Directly following the funeral, the Rite Of Committal will be celebrated. Jim will be laid to rest gently and comfortably near the arms of his dearly departed family members at Mother Of God Cemetery, 3125 Madison Ave, Latonia, KY 41015. Memorial donations can be made in Jim’s honor online or at services to American Foundation For Suicide Prevention. 

To offer the family an online condolence or to share a memory or photo of Jim, please visit the coressponding tabs on this page.