Rev. James Robert Parvin

Rev. James Robert (Bob) Parvin woke on the morning of April 7 in the arms of God. A Disciples of Christ minister, Bob enjoyed a life of preparing sermons, blessing babies, teaching classes, studying the Bible, counseling, conducting funerals and weddings, attending conferences, visiting the sick, celebrating weekly communion, and all the other things ministers do. Bob would say, “not bad for someone who only works on Sundays.” Bob would tease that his favorite part of ministry was consuming the food of the women who prepared their best dishes and made the church tables groan with bounty. He served churches in Kentucky, Iowa, North Carolina, Alabama, and Virginia. He also taught theology and ministry classes for multiple years at Wake Forest Divinity School.

Bob was the middle child of Marshall Singleton Parvin (fondly called “Sarge”) and Hazel Clayton Parvin, both deceased. Bob also lived to mourn the loss of his older brother, Rev. Marshall Parvin, Jr. Remaining family members include his younger brother, Rev. Patrick (Pat) Wayne Parvin, a son James Robert (Bobby) Parvin, Jr., two grandchildren, Sarah and Marshall Parvin, and Bob’s wife, Deb Wagoner Parvin with whom he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2025. Bob was also loved by a whole gang of nieces and nephews (and their children), some who called him “Uncle Bob,” “Uncle Smokey,” and others who grew up calling him “Uncle Fuzzy.” Bob loved them all. He was also blessed to have a Godson, Ethan Len Gerard.

Bob loved his in-laws as much as his “blood family.” At his wedding in 1975, his family more than doubled.

In 1993, Bob joined his brother, Pat, and sister-in-law, Cynthia, at AIM (Action In Mailing) in Montgomery, Alabama where he served as a partner and production manager.

Bob had a lot of endearing qualities, but one that stood out strongly was his sense of humor. If searching for him in a crowd, all one had to do was be still and listen, and when a peal of laughter rained down, there he would be! He loved to tell funny stories and jokes that lightened the moods of those who were listening.

Bob also loved the CMF (Christian Men’s Fellowship) in all the churches he served. He loved the nights out under the stars when the men would stay up until dawn to cook a pig or cook a grill full of Boston Butts. He loved CMF district meets, he loved church music, he loved life. He loved Christmount, the Disciples of Christ retreat grounds, where he served frequently as a counselor at camps, led retreats, and served on the board. He loved wearing whacky tee shirts. One read: “Real men love cats.” Another one read: “I enjoy romantic walks in the hardware store.” One of his Halloween tees featured a cat with a cape and fangs and read, “VAMPURR.”

When Bob moved to Fancy Gap, Virginia, he placed his church membership in Hillsville Christian Church. He dearly loved being a member there and said that he felt a specialness about this congregation’s love (which was and is genuine). He was touched by their desire (revealed in words and in action) to follow Christ. Even when he became homebound, he would attend Hillsville Christian on Zoom.

Bob also loved Fancy Gap, Virginia. He said once that the happiest time of his life was spent designing and building his and Deb’s home there.

Cancer claimed his bodily life, but not his soul or sense of humor. With thanksgiving, he is now a part of that which is eternal. Thanks be to God.

* Honor Bob’s memory in any way that is meaningful to you. A suggestion might be to donate to one of his two favorite places:

Hillsville Christian Church, 120 Edgewood Drive, Hillsville, VA 24343 or

Christmount, 222 Fern Way, Black Mountain, NC 28711