Obituary of James Charles William Parrott

Parrott, Dr. James Charles William "Doc" It is with broken hearts that the family of Dr. James C. W. "Doc" Parrott of Kars, NB, announces his passing, which occurred on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Sioux Lookout, ON on September 15, 1942, he was a son of Glenn and Clara (Story) Parrott. At the age of 3, following the death of his father, young James Parrott moved from Sioux Lookout, ON to Oak Lake, MB with his mother Clara and sister Arleen. Being a single mother with financial difficulties, Clara worked hard to provide for her young family. Regarding raising a child, we’ve all heard the old saying, "it takes a village" – which is exactly what the people of Oak Lake did for the Parrott children. Because of this, the Town of Oak Lake, MB was always home in Jim’s heart. Jim moved to Brandon, MB at the age of 18. In 1964 he earned his pre-medical undergraduate degree from Brandon College and had supported his own studies by working in the oilfields during the summer months. He was the president of his graduating class. He received his medical degree from the University of Manitoba in 1968 and gained his Master’s Degree in Physiology in 1972. He attended Stanford University in San Francisco, California for his post-graduate studies of Cardiac Surgery and Physiology, completing his studies in 1976. During his time there, he received the Frank Gerbode Research Award and was a diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners. With Dr. James Parrott’s passion for medicine and helping people, as well as a tireless work ethic, an accomplished and respected career was formed. He opened his first practice in Halifax, NS in 1976. Five years later, he moved back to Winnipeg and started the Heart Surgery Program for the Health Science Centre while acting as the Head of Cardiac Surgery at the Winnipeg General Hospital from 1981-1991. In 1991 he moved to Hampton, NB, where he founded his greatest pride, the New Brunswick Heart Centre, renowned for being one of the best facilities for cardiovascular health in Canada. During his career, Dr. Parrott was a member of many medical societies including: the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, American College of Chest Physicians, Canadian Thoracic Society, Canadian Association of Clinical Surgeons, American College of Surgeons and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. He was also published in many medical journals over the years. In addition to Dr. Parrott’s great love of medicine, he is also known for his political career. From 2010-2014 he served as MLA for the riding of Fundy River Valley as both an independent and a member of the progressive conservative party. He was also elected to the Legislative assembly of NB in the 2010 provincial election. His hobbies included making wine and growing grapes, sailing, Harley Davidson motorcycles, Australian cattle dogs, hockey and playing drums. Over the years, he was a drummer for various bands, including his own, "Dr. Do and the Don’ts". He had a great interest in raising and showing quarter horses and was a board member of both the Maritime and American Quarter Horse Associations for 20 years. He will be missed by his loving wife, Theresa (Maher) Parrott; his children, Crawford Parrott (Tracey) and Marshall Parrott; grandchildren, Jesse and Cody Parrott; Stepdaughter, Lisa Maher (Terry); step grandchildren, Caleb and Levi Maher; a sister, Arleen McLean (Joe); as well as many relatives and friends. Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). A Celebration of Doc’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 from 1-5 pm at the Belleisle Community Centre, 1648 Route 124, Springfield, NB – All are welcome. A Memorial Service will take place at Oak Lake, MB at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the NB Heart Centre or the Kidney Foundation.