James E. Parlier LTC (Ret.) passed away in his home in Springfield, MO, on Aug. 30, 2004, of natural causes. James was born to Mary and Felix Parlier on Aug. 10, 1936, in Lenoir, NC. He graduated from Lenoir High School in 1954. He graduated from NC State University in 1959 with a BS degree in Industrial Engineering. In 1959, he began his career in the Army and retired in 1979. He was in the Berlin Crisis in Germany. He was also stationed in Italy, Korea, Maryland and Michigan. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Green Beret. His last position was advisor to the U.S. National Guard in Montana. James was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. After retiring from the Army, he started a second career as District Service Manager for GMC. He retired in 1996 and moved to Springfield, MO, where he was a member of American Legion Post 639. James was united in marriage to Ellen Schafbuch on May 9, 1987. James is survived by one daughter, Jennifer Parlier of Ontario, Canada; one son, James D. Parlier of Reston, VA; two brothers, William L. Parlier of Anchorage, AK, and John F. Parlier and his wife, Judy, of Summerville, SC.; two stepdaughters, Dr. Danielle Leskie and Devon Kaster, and two granddaughters, Katerina and Alexandra Leskie, of the Detroit area. Also surviving is his mother-in-law, Marion Schafbuch, formerly of Marengo, IA. His parents and his son, Robert, preceded him in death. James enjoyed fishing, hunting and working outdoors. Most of all, he loved his family. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Sept. 2, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole, Springfield, MO 65804 (417) 866-9994. Burial wil be at Missouri Veterans Cemetery at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 3. Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Wesley United Methodist Church, 922 W. Republic Rd., Springfield, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harps for the Heart and Heritage Foundation (Springfield Nature Center).