Flenton "James" Parks

With heavy hearts, we, the Staff and Management of R. Swinson Funeral Services, along with the Parks Family, announce the passing of 80-year-old Mr. Flenton Parks of Kinston on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at his home.

FLENTON JAMES PARKS

December 5, 1945 - September 2, 2026

"God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

Flenton "James" Parks was born on December 5, 1945, in Alabama. As a young boy, James was affectionately given the nickname "Lucky." He possessed a natural talent for mechanics and enjoyed spending his time working on vehicles for family and friends.

After obtaining his commercial driver's license, James moved to the Dumfries/Triangle area of Virginia, where he began a career as a long-distance truck driver. After spending many years traveling throughout the country, he decided it was time for a career change and accepted a position with Simmons Construction Company as a heavy equipment operator.

During his time with Simmons Construction, the company obtained a contract to provide services at the Lorton Correctional Complex in Lorton, Virginia. James worked at the facility for many years, and it was during this chapter of his life that he met the love of his life, the late Iris Lee Bradford.

James and Iris shared more than twenty years together in Virginia before eventually moving to Iris's hometown of Kinston, North Carolina. There, they made their home together for approximately ten more years until Iris's passing in 2016.

After moving to Kinston, James and Iris found a charming cottage-style home owned by Robbie Jernigan. The home had previously belonged to Robbie's parents, and it was important to him that it be entrusted to people who would care for it as their own. What began simply as a landlord-tenant relationship soon developed into a genuine and lasting friendship. Over the years, the bond between James, Iris, and Robbie grew so close that Robbie came to be a part of their family.

James befriended everyone he met and was someone others could always count on. Whether it was a neighbor who needed a ride to the grocery store, a friend having car trouble, an elderly shut-in who needed a meal, or a family member requiring a helping hand, James was always there, ready and willing to help. He could often be seen chauffeuring friends around town in his burgundy Chevrolet Colorado, sporting the license plate "Rock & Roll". In fact, the mere sight of that burgundy Colorado usually meant one thing - James was on his way to help someone who needed him. His generosity, kindness and willingness to be there for others were simply part of who he was.

James is survived by his stepson, Courtland K. Bradford of Charlotte, North Carolina; stepdaughters, Terrace D.

Bradford of Winterville, North Carolina, and Antoinette Bradford of Kinston, North Carolina; granddaughter, Melanie C. Crawford of Kinston, North Carolina; great-granddaughter, Addison L. Crawford of Kinston, North Carolina; and his best friend, Webster Brown Jr. of Winterville, North Carolina and a host of friends whose lives were touched by his friendship and presence.

A Celebration of Life will be held at R. Swinson Funeral Home in Kinston on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. The burial will immediately follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

The service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Robert Swinson, Jr. Memorial Chapel.