Having conquered his worldly journeys, on the morning of October 25, 2023, James Thomas Parker II departed from this life. Mr. Parker was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is the only son of the late James Thomas Parker I and Doris Elizabeth (Truitte) Parker. James Parker fell in love with the art of magic around the age of six and later became an award-winning, professional, Master Magician. Mr. Parker has performed in all sorts of venues, from birthday parties, all the way to large-scale amphitheaters. James Parker was known for creating and building his own illusions. Thus, everyone who had the pleasure to observe his mysterious and jaw-dropping feats watched a truly one-of-a-kind performance which can never be re-created.

James Parker was known for being a source of laughter. When performing, no matter the type of crowd, audience members were not only in complete awe at the stunning magic but had tears of pure joy flowing down their cheeks at Parker's comedic flare. The overwhelmingly amazing sense of comedy was not only something seen in his shows but also a part of his everyday life. It did not matter how positive or negative the occasion was, he was certain to put a smile on your face and a deep chuckle in your stomach.

Along with magic, James Thomas Parker found a passion for martial arts. First learning from his father, then studying other great masters, James Parker earned the well-deserved title of Grandmaster in the art of Chinese Kung-Fu. Grandmaster Parker, along with his wife, Sifu Christine Parker, founded Parker's Self Defense Studio of Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Thousands flocked to Grandmaster Parker to become his students and learn the arts of Chinese Kung-Fu, Shootfighting, Extreme Martial Arts, Grappling, and a plethora of other self-defense disciplines. James Parker is the founder of Bai Kai Kung-Fu (the crown of Parker's Self Defense Studio) which earned him the title of Sijo which is bestowed upon very few in the world and means founder of a martial arts system or "Great-Grand-Master" or "Great-Grand-Teacher". Parker's Martial Arts Studio went on to become the State of North Carolina's official Martial Arts team. Team Bai Kai traveled the country, dominating all martial arts tournaments; both national and international.

Frequenting Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Universal Studios Orlando, and Walt Disney World, James Thomas Parker was a connoisseur of theme parks. Dubbing the parks listed above as his "happy places" wherein everlasting memories with his family were created.

Surviving members of the Parker family include daughter Cassandra Parker and husband Chris Muela; son James Parker III and wife Makenna Parker; son Manny Parker; son Xander Parker; and Joey Parker. James Thomas Parker also left his legacy to grandchildren Gage and Trinity Muela as well as Seraphim and Della Parker.

James Thomas Parker taught his children the arts of self-defense as well as the strength and discipline needed to conquer life. However, lessons focusing on seeing the magic and mystery of life as well as being simplistically happy were among the most cherished lessons held closely to Mr. Parker’s heart.

"We thank you for all of your life lessons you taught us; your sufferings which you quietly endured for the bettering of our lives; and for teaching us of the dignity attached to the Parker name. Thank you, Father, for being a reason to hold our heads high and to be all the more proud to be Parkers. Your memories and teachings will last for generations to come. We love and miss you forever." -The Children of James Thomas Parker II.

We beseech you, O Lord, to grant your servant James Thomas Parker a peaceful repose in the hope of Your All Holy and Glorious Resurrection unto life everlasting.

May your memory be eternal, O ever memorable Father, who art worthy of blessedness,

-James Parker III