Obituary - James H. Parker

On Tuesday April 15, 2014, James H. Parker, of Pittsburgh, passed away at the age of 87.

James H. Parker (Fellow, American Physical Society; Life Member, IEEE) was born in Bakersfield, CA on December 4, 1926.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Catherine M. Parker and his sisters Genevieve Parker of Orinda, CA and Alberta Horn of Point Richmond, CA.  He was the loving father of Lynn Parker of Arlington, VA and David Parker of Tipp City, OH.  He is also survived by two grandchildren. 

James received a B.S. and PhD in Physics at the University of California, Berkeley in 1949 and 1954, respectively.  He was a member of the staff at the Westinghouse Research Labs in Pittsburgh, PA from 1953 until retirement in 1985.  During his career he carried out experimental and theoretical work over a broad range of physics and in 1970 he became manager of the Cryogenics and Superconductivity Department.  He authored or co-authored over 50 Journal and conference papers. 

After retirement from Westinghouse he continued his physics and engineering work as a private consultant for Westinghouse and several other local companies.  He played bassoon for the Pittsburgh Savovards and was also a long-standing member of the Pittsburgh Woodwind Quintet.  He loved jazz and classical music, physics, electronics, wood-working, and metal working. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Woman’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, P.O. Box 9024, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, 1 N. Linden Street, Duquesne, PA 15110.  Arrangements entrusted to the English Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 378 Maryland Ave. Oakmont, PA 15139.  Online condolences may be made to: www.english-funeral-home.com.