JEFFRY WOOSTER PARKER – Obituary
Jeffry Wooster Parker
April 28, 1945 – January 23, 2025
Jeffry Wooster Parker, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025. He was 79 years old.
Born to Royden Wooster Parker and Marjorie Sherin Parker (Light) on April 28, 1945, Jeff grew up with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, history, and family. He is survived by his brothers, Michael Parker (Heather) and Scott Parker (Carolyn); daughters, Amber Lee Kelley (Thomas Franklin Kelley Jr.), Jessica Cooper Parker-Smith (Benjamin Smith), and Samantha Kay Gardiner (Brent Gardiner); grandchildren, Meghan Brooke Kelley, Kelsie Lee Kelley, Thomas Franklin Kelley III, and Sadie Ruth Kelley; and great-grandchildren, Louella Lee Kelley, Rylan Gwen Kelley, Thomas Franklin Kelley IV, and Millie Lee Kelley Messick. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Nancy Lee Parker (Nichols), and his parents.
Jeff served his country with honor, enlisting in the United States Navy on July 27, 1966. He served aboard the USS Piedmont (AD-17) during the Vietnam War from 1967–68, working as a machinist in the engine room and on ship repair operations.
Jeff and Nancy shared a passion for early American life, which led them to purchase and restore the historic John Jarman House, built in 1755, in Alloway, NJ. Their meticulous restoration efforts and dedication to preserving history were featured in Early American Life and other publications. Jeff even taught himself blacksmithing, crafting unique pieces for their home, which became a hallmark of local historical tours.
A lineman for Atlantic Electric, Jeff forged lifelong friendships while serving his South Jersey community and assisting with power restoration across the country after severe storms. His skills extended beyond his career; he was a carpenter, mechanic, electrician, mason, and blacksmith who could build or repair almost anything.
Jeff also had a passion for fishing, which brought him countless hours of joy. He especially loved the annual fishing trips to Canada with his friends, creating lifelong memories with every cast.
Jeff found solace in his second home in Forksville, PA, where he loved the tranquility of the mountains, the birdsong, and the babbling creek. He cherished his family, friends, and the joy of shared laughter over a gin and tonic and a cigar after a long day’s work.
Jeff’s legacy lives on in the craftsmanship of his work, the stories he shared, and the love he gave so freely to those around him.
A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to Salem County Historical Society, 83 Market Street, Salem, NJ 08079 or at www.salemcountyhistoricalsociety.com/donate. Services under the direction of the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME of Clayton. Sign the guestbook and send condolences at BarclayFuneralHome.net.