James Donald Parton

James D. "Don" Parton passed away June 18, 2011, at his home in Medford. He is survived by three sons, Dennis, Derek and Michael Parton; seven stepchildren; 20 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers; and four sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Shirley Ray Parton; his son, Eric Parton; and two brothers.
Don was born on Dec. 6, 1926, in Everett, Wash. He moved with his parents and eight siblings to the Rogue Valley during the Great Depression. He attended various grade schools in the valley before the family moved to Elk Creek, where he attended school in Prospect and later graduated from Medford High School.
Don joined the U.S. Army during WWII and then returned to the Rogue Valley to work in logging and other various jobs in the valley. In 1954, he joined the Medford Fire Department and retired after 29 years with the rank of captain.
Don loved golfing, flying airplanes, the outdoors and spending time with family. Along with his many interests, he was an accomplished carpenter, and built several homes in the valley.
Graveside services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 24, at Memory Gardens in Medford.