James N. Parrish died on June 17, 2026, at age 87. He was born in Winter Park, Florida, the son of Amos L. and Celeste Colston Parrish. After completing 10th grade at Jones High School in Orlando, 14-year old Jim was admitted to Fisk University as an early entrant along with his 15-year old brother, Amos Jr. The Basic College Early Entrant program sought out exceptional high school students, allowing them to proceed at an accelerated pace toward undergraduate and graduate degrees. Jim graduated from Fisk University in 1958 with a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and completed a Master’s degree in actuarial science at the University of Wisconsin in 1960.

He began his actuarial career with an insurance firm in Cincinnati, Ohio, married and started a family in Ohio where his two children were born, Bethany and James N. Parrish, Jr. His career as an actuary, insurance executive and actuarial consultant led him to positions in Maryland, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Jim was a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, the highest professional credential awarded by the Society of Actuaries to those who complete a rigorous series of exams.

After he retired as Executive VP of NC Mutual in 2001, Jim and his second wife (div) enjoyed several active years entertaining friends and family, traveling and attending social events. They moved from Durham to Williamsburg and Northern Virginia before relocating to Mount Dora in 2019, giving Jim the opportunity to reconnect with his Central Florida roots. Wherever he moved, Jim always sought membership in a local Episcopal Church, often volunteering or holding church offices over the years. Besides a commitment to his faith as an Episcopalian, Jim was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Sigma Pi Phi, also known as The Boulé, a professional fraternity.

James N. Parrish was predeceased by his brother, Amos Jr. when they were college students. He lost his son, James Jr. in 2025. Jim is survived by his daughter, Bethany Celeste Parrish of Newport News, VA and his sister, Allie Parrish of Mount Dora, FL