James S. Parsons, 80, of Delmar, passed away on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at Delmar Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. He was born January 25, 1930, in Salisbury, a son of the late James and Edna Parsons. Mr. Parsons was a longtime member of Delmar Wesleyan Church and most recently a member of The Journey in Millsboro. He enjoyed time spent with family, as well as singing and playing the guitar. Fishing, camping and woodworking were special hobbies of his. He worked for Pepsi Cola Bottling Company in Salisbury for 16 years, Sally Ann Bread Company in Federalsburg for 4 years, and for Schmidt Baking Company in Salisbury for 22 years. During his career, he was chosen as a 5 star bread vendor for Goff's IGA. He was also co-owner of Parsons One Stop in Gumboro for 10 years. He and his wife were also foster parents for 30 years, helping care for over 300 children. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mildred Lecates Parsons; two daughters, Vernita Elzey and her husband Pastor Rick of Georgetown, Nancy Meisenholder and her husband Denny of Delmar; two sons, Pastor Wayne Parsons and his wife Cathy of Millsboro, and David Parsons and his wife Christy of Delmar; grandchildren, Theresa Baldwin, Candy Shupe, Roland Parsons, II, David Elzey, Daniel Elzey, Donna Elzey, Brian Meisenholder, Sierra Parsons, Hunter Parsons, Christina Parsons, and Bethany Parsons; eleven great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Jeri Parsons of Delmar; sister-in-law, Priscilla Parsons of Federalsburg; brother-in-law, Paul Lecates of Delmar; and several nieces and nephews. After spending five years at the Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, he became close to the special caretakers. The family would like to extend a special thanks to all the caretakers at station 2. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Roland J. Parsons, and an infant daughter, Linda Parsons. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and also Thursday, January 20, 2011 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, where services will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be in the Lecates Family Cemetery in Delmar. Pastor Wayne Parsons and Pastor Rick Elzey will officiate. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.