James Parker was born 19 September 1832 in Lisle, Broome County, New York. He was the son of David and Esther Bliss Parker. James married twice in his lifetime. He was first married to Malvina Holt and they had six children: 1. Elmentta Parker, 2. Arthur Parker, 3. Ira R. Parker, 4 Fred E. Parker, 5. William Kingsley Parker, 6. Mary Parker; whom all lived in Howell, Livingston County, Michigan. After James first wife, Malvina died, James married Jeanette Bigelow on 9 May 1877 at Conway, Livingston County, Michigan. Jeanette was the daugher of Levi Houghton and Susan Mary Capen Bigelow. A few years after James and Jeanette were married, they moved from Howell, Michigan and purchased a farm in Lakefield Township.

James and Jeanette 's children were:

1. Clara Berdina Parker born 24 June 1878. She married Charles Lee Easlick.

2. Omar Bigelow Parker was born 6 June 1881 in Livingston County, Michigan. He married Lorene Anna McClure.

3. Lou J. Parker was born 23 June 1886 in Livingston County, Michigan.

James and Jeanette owned and operated a 40 acre farm in Section 16 on the SE corner of Fenmore and Lakefield Roads.

James was the Lakefield Township Overseer of Highway District #7. He was elected to the position on 6 April 1891, 4 April 1892, 3 April 1893 and 2 April 1894.

James died on 25 October 1906 in Lakefield Township and Jeanette died on 28 December 1904 in Lakefield Township. They both buried in Howell, Livingston County, Michigan.