James Dony Parsells

James “Jim” Dony Parsells, 82, of Partlow, Virginia passed away on March 19, 2024, in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Jim was a devoted husband and loving father. He loved to travel with Marge, his wife of 47 years. Jim was Chief of Computer Operations for over 30 years for the Center for Naval Analysis in Alexandria, Virginia. He received his bachelor’s degree in history from Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York and a master’s degree from American University in Washington, D.C. While earning his master’s degree, Jim worked full time at CNA, part-time at Giant Food, and helped his beloved wife raise four young children.

Jim had many hobbies; he was an avid reader and chess player. Jim was a long time Capitals and Redskin/Commanders fan. He also enjoyed college basketball, lacrosse, and football. However, mostly he enjoyed spending time with family.

Jim is survived by his children, Robert Parsells, Cynthia Martinez (Lawrence), Julia Sullivan (Sean), and Jennifer Forbes (Anthony); son-in-law George Miller; 10 grandchildren, Leeanne Poist (Dustin), Katie Fulbright, Thomas Martinez, James Parsells, Jessica Parsells, Ashleigh Donovan (Jason), Annaleigh Petrone (Walter), Alysia Cannon (Chad), Alexander Forbes, and Bailee Miller; 12 great-grandchildren, Layla Petrone, Mary Poist, Anthony Petrone, Bentley Martinez, Charlotte Poist, Louis Petrone, Cayden Donovan, Forrest Cannon, Cayleigh Donovan, August Petrone, Eleanor Cannon and Madison Lansden.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie O. Parsells; parents George M. Parsells and Marion Dony Parsells; aunt Louise Koenig; and granddaughter Paige Parsells.  

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Haight Funeral Home & Chapel. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the funeral home chapel.