The VirtualBoxwell Team recently learned of the passing of Parnell staff member James “Jimmy” Wakefield. Jimmy joined the Parnell staff in 1962 and as far as we know, only worked the one summer. As Greg Tucker explained, “Wakefield shared a tent with Johnny Roe and Greg Tucker. Every Saturday AM Jimmy would pack dirty clothes in a relatively new-looking suitcase, put on a full Scout uniform, and hitchhike to his home in Fayetteville TN. He would return to camp on Sunday AM by the same means. Only once was he late returning. (“I can’t believe no one would pick me up.”) Wakefield was an Eagle Scout and was active as an adult leader in Knoxville where he was a prosperous building contractor. He earned a BA from UT.”

Married for 47 years, Wakefield served as a State and Local member of the Associated General Contractors and the Knoxville Planning Commission. He was active in church as well as other philanthropic organizations. Wakefield passed away in Knoxville on February 15, 2016. He was 69 years old.