Since 2012, the Utah Genealogical Association has offered
this scholarship in honor of Jimmy B. Parker, a Utah family historian and
teacher of more than 50 years. He said, “Few things have greater impact on us
in this life than knowing about our heritage—who we are, where we have come
from, our culture, our ancestors.” The winning essay with be posted on this blog.
- A one page essay detailing how attending the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy will prepare you to give back to the genealogical community.
- A short biography or resume detailing your previous volunteer and research experience.
- The name of the course you hope to attend, and why.
- A letter of recommendation from someone who has benefitted from your volunteer service.
Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy registration opens June 20,
2015 at 9:00 AM MST.
The following biographical information was provided by the Parker family:
Jimmy Parker was interested in Family History for over 50 years. That interest led him to work for the LDS Church in the 1960's. In his long career, he did many different facets of Genealogical and Family History Work which included patron research and negotiating records to be microfilmed all over the United States and Canada. He had major responsibilities in organizing and carrying out two World Conferences on Records, which were sponsored by the LDS Church, and he also pioneered a study to help with Native American Indian research, for which he had a great love.
Jimmy Parker received many awards and honors for his work in family history, but the most meaningful experiences that he had were those related to his teaching. Teaching was a big part of his life. He was a school teacher in Idaho Falls before taking the position with the LDS church, and teaching was an ongoing thread which tied together his passion for teaching and his love of family history.
He taught at countless seminars, individual classes, at BYU Education Week, and much more. He had a talent for being a friend to everyone, and had a great love for just about everyone he met. Helping people find out more about their heritage gave him great happiness.
A thought that came to him just before he found out he had cancer was this: "Few things have greater impact on us in this life than knowing about our heritage - who we are, where we have come from, our culture, our ancestors." He would be very pleased to see his legacy of furthering family history work carried forth by those who receive the SLIG scholarship, which is given in his name. It is hoped that all who receive this scholarship will go forth to leave their own legacy of love and service.
.PNG)