James Rex "Jim" Parr of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Monday afternoon, April 2, 2012, in the Presbyterian Tower at the O.U. Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City at the age of 71 years. James Rex “Jim” Parr was born on July 10, 1940, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, to Rex and Minnie (Steffen) Parr. He grew up in Blackwell attending Blackwell Public Schools graduating from Blackwell high School in 1958. At the age of fifteen he traveled to Europe to attend the boy scouts jamboree. While in Europe he met and had lunch with the Queen of England. Following his education he entered the United State Army Reserves in 1958 and served until his discharge in 1964. On September 30, 1961, he married the love of his life, Twila Mae Buellesfeld in Blackwell and they made their home in Blackwell. Following his military service he began working for his parents at the Blackwell Printing and Stationary Company. In 1992 he became owner of the business and retired in August of 2011. He was a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Blackwell. He was very active in the Boy Scouts serving as scout master for over forty years. He was well known for his adventurous campouts telling many stories around the campfires and teaching many kids scout techniques. In 1979 he received the highest honor by receiving the “Silver Beaver Award”. He was a girl’s assistant softball coach coaching for several teams. He enjoyed stamp collecting, arrowhead hunting and hunting other Indian artifacts. He collected several artifacts over the years and was later invited to numerous schools to show his displays and speak about the different artifacts. He was also famous for his daring ability to catch and handle rattlesnakes. He was an adventurous hunter and fisherman and as a young man he and his father were chosen to be a duck hunting guide for John Wayne. He was always willing to help anyone in need night or day. He loved spending time with his family, especially during the holidays where they would enjoy family cookouts.

He is survived by two daughters, Michelle Glass and husband Ken of Blackwell, Oklahoma, and Ranae Martinez and husband Jose Juan of Ponca City, Oklahoma; three sons, Danny Parr of Blackwell, Oklahoma, Joby Parr and wife Linda of Blackwell, Oklahoma, and Curtis Parr and wife Tammy of Blackwell, Oklahoma; sixteen grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren; and a sister, Dorothy Buellesfeld and husband Clifford of Blackwell, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one infant grandchild; and the love of his life, Twila.

A prayer service is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Sunday, April 8th in the Roberts and Son Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 9th at 10:00 a.m. in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Father Larok O. Martin of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be; Neil Glass, Rex Parr II, Evan Parr, Malachi Parr, Paul Epperly, and John Franz

Honorary casketbearers will be; Robert Epperly, Ryan Brown, Derek Hauf, Scott Haskins, Garin Diedrich, and Richard Ross.

A memorial has been established with the Boy Scouts of America Blackwell Chapter in his memory in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home.