BORN

1945

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Blount & Curry Funeral Home - Macdill Chapel

605 S MACDILL AVE

Tampa, Florida

John Parsels Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 12, 2017.

PARSELS, John W., 71, Tampa, Florida, died on May 11, 2017 after a long illness with his family by his side. John was a decorated combat veteran. During his 15-year Army career, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Amy Aviator Badge, Vietnam Service Medal (6 Campaigns), Vietnam Campaign Medal, 7 O/S Bars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal (3 OLC), Armed Forces Reserve Medal.



John was born in Tecumseh, Michigan to Elsie Jenoise Ricketts and Leo Orvil Parsels. He was drafted into the US Army in 1965, completed Officer’s Candidate School (OCS), and trained to fly both fixed wing and helicopters as an Army pilot. John deployed to Korea and then Vietnam in 1969 serving with the HHC, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.



In 1970, on a scouting mission above the DMZ, and flying co-pilot, John’s helicopter crashed into a mountain in enemy territory. John’s pilot was killed and John and his crew injured. With a compound fractured leg, John was captured by the regular North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and carried north. His capture was not confirmed and was listed as Missing in Action until his release.



In the 1st year, John was held in solitary confinement in multiple secondary prison camps along the border of Laos and Vietnam. He spent the 2nd year in a secondary camp outside of Hanoi housed with other POWS captured in the south. Shortly before his March 1973 POW release (in the 3rd wave of returnees), John was transferred to the infamous ‘Hanoi Hilton’ from which he was repatriated taking an “angel flight” home.



Upon his return, John was a successful businessman and life member of the American Legion, VFW, and Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (VHPA). John was also a leader in associations supporting Vietnam MIA and POW families whose loved ones were never repatriated. Married almost 30 years, he assisted his beloved wife, Patty O’Grady Parsels, in her search for her father, a captured F-105D pilot. With her and his children, John returned to North Vietnam in 1990 including a return to two prisoner camps where he was held: Plantation Gardens and Hanoi Hilton. The journey was chronicled by Pulitzer-prize author Sidney Schanberg (Killing Fields).



John was a brave soldier, faithful husband, hero dad, loyal friend, and good and loving man. He is survived by his wife, and two children. Amanda Parsels of NY, his daughter, Sam Enzer of NY, her spouse, Eamonn Parsels of FL, his son, Julia Parsels, his granddaughter, and other distant relatives.



A funeral Mass was conducted in honor of Major Parsels at Sacred Heart Church in Tampa, Florida where he was baptized. Close family, friends, and fellow Vietnam veterans were in attendance. He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC, with full military honors.





Remember Me



By Patty O’Grady





In Honor of Major John W. Parsels, USA (ret.)



Prisoner of War, Vietnam, 1970-1973



1945-2017





Remember me to those who love



And those who wage the peace



Remember me to those who laugh



Then I am not deceased…





Remember me to those who sing



And those who like to dance



Remember me to those who care



Then I get a second chance…





Remember me to helping hands



And where young children play



Remember me when day is done



Then I live another day…





Remember me to those who seek



And those who stand the test



Remember me to brothers all



Then I can finally rest…





Remember me with faith and hope



And when you are standing tall



If memory brings only tears



Then don’t remember me at all.









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Memories and Condolences
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December 1, 2022

Other

Jamie Williams

I was a young girl during the Viet Nam War. I was very aware of what was happening. I purchased a POW bracelet, which I still have, and would love to return it to the family of Capt. Parsels. I´ve read all about him and am in awe of his bravery. My husband is a Viet Nam Veteran as well. Please email me if you would like me to send it to you.
Thank you
Jamie Williams-Homosassa,Fl

February 16, 2018

Military

James David

John and I shared a NVA captured radio together in our Camp Eagle bunker while serving together in Vietnam in 1969-1970. It was amazing the info we would get from the enemy broadcast. It was just a few weeks before the end of my tour that John was captured and ended up in one of the POW camps. His release was in 1973 when I heard him on the radio, WGST in Atlanta, and connected with him as a call in on the radio program. It was amazing how the radio brought us back together but this time on friendlier ground.

October 12, 2017

Friend

Valerie Giambona

I never had the pleasure to meet Major John Parcels in person. In 2004 I happen to find my POW Bracelet that I wore faithfully in the 70's with Captain John Parcels name printed on it. In the age of the internet I found him online and emailed Major Parcels, informing him that I respectfully wore his bracelet and prayed for him everyday. I asked John if he would like me to send back his bracelet and he replied "No, I do not need to have the bracelet back. Feel free to keep it and use it to remind your children and others of the high cost of war" May you rest in peace Major Parcels. On veterans day 2017 I will be honoring Major John Parcels at our Veterans Day ceremony at our High School in NJ were I am employed. It was an honor to wear your bracelet. Thank you for your service to our country. ~ With all my respect, Valerie

June 18, 2017

I just learned today (6/18/17) of John's passing. He was a most compassionate gentleman and was highly regarded and admired by so many of us in the POW/MIA family organizations. Blessings and condolences to you, Patty, and the family. Your lovely poem tribute is very touching; thank you for sharing it. With wishes for a peaceful heart for all of you. From Santa Fe, NM - Dana Chwan.

June 9, 2017

Bob Batson

PATTY -
I remember John with great joy and affection. He was an example of quiet dignity, confidence and courage for me. He was truly an inspiration, not only for me, but for all who had the privilege to know him and his very presence exuded faith, love and the strength of a man who faced adversity with great resolve and character.
I know you and Amanda and Eamonn all miss him greatly, as the rest of us do. It's good that he was with us and it's good that God has welcomed him home. God Bless you folks.

May 29, 2017

Military

HARRY ETTMUELLER

RIP JOHN...DID NOT KNOW YOU PASSED TILL TODAY.....

May 14, 2017

Dear Patty, Remembering John as a man who served his country with honor and distinction.Who kept the faith and never forgot those left behind.I'll remember him always.God bless you and your family. Jim Bauer NFMN-NJ

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