He married Minnie Cordelia "Delia" Haney. They were the parents of nine children.

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ASHEVILLE- CITIZEN
March 20 1988

James E. Parris Dies at 101

James Ervin Parris, 101, of 20 Cross Anchor Road, Alexander, died Saturday at his residence.

A life long resident of Buncombe County, he was know for his participation in community affairs and served on the advisory council for French Broad and North Buncombe schools for almost four decades.

He was instrumental in helping obtain road improvements for the community and worked with the Board of Elections for many years. Until this past election, he voted in every election he was eligible for.
He was a retired farmer and butcher and sold farm produce in Asheville for himself and neighbors during the Depression. During World War 11, he worked as a security guard for American Enka and Conitnued for a time as an Enka employee. He was the son of the late Marion and Martha Martin Parris, and the husband of Delia Haney Parris, who died in 1974.

Surviving are three daughters, Ora Sluder, Lillian Redmon and Jennie Sluder, all of Alexander; four sons, Dennis V. and Tony J Parris of Alexander, Glen E. Parris and Clayton Parris of Asheville; a sister Mary Jane Haney, of Alexander , a brother Grady Parris of Asheville. 15 grandchildren, 18 great-great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren.

Service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in Alexander Baptist Church. where he was a member. The Revs. Gerald Sprinkle and Joe Honeycutt will officiate. Burial will be in French Broad Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at West Funeral Home where the body will remain until a hour before the service.

Memorials may be made to Alexander Baptist Church, Fletcher Martin Road, Alexander NC, 28701