Another MIneral King Pioneer Lost

James N. Parks
1932 - 2018

James Norman Parks (WMK Cabin #6) passed away peacefully, Sept 4th in Visalia, CA. surrounded by his Family.

Jim was born, Sept 28th, 1932 in Long Beach, CA. to James L and Virginia K. Parks. The family moved to Visalia, CA. in 1936.

Jim Graduated from Visalia High in 1950, College of the Sequoias in 1952 and Humboldt State University in 1955. He earned his master's degree from Fresno State University in 1960.

While attending Humboldt State Jim met the love of his life, Suzanne K. Watkins. They were married in Eureka, CA. the following year. Together they had 3 children, Terri, Suzie and Jimmy.

Jim started teaching in 1955 and for the next 40+ years had a positive influence on countless young students and teachers that he had the privilege to either, teach or serve as principal for.

Jim and Sue spent most of their lives in Hanford CA. where they raised their 3 children. After retirement in 2004 they relocated to Los Osos. After Sue's passing in 2014 Jim continued to call Los Osos home until moving back to Visalia in 2018 to be closer to his family.

Throughout his life Jim's contagious smile, gift for telling stories about his adventures and hobbies had a significant positive impact on others' lives. Jim loved his Family, traveling, outdoor activities and antiques.

Jim is survived by his 3 children, Terri Fishbough (Bill), Suzie Azevedo (Mike) and Jim Parks (Marcy). He is also survived by his Sister, Virginia Hopper (of Silver City), 15 Grandchildren, 22 Great Grandchildren and numerous Cousins, Nieces and Nephews.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held Sat. Sept 29th at noon in Hanford, CA. at the Sierra Pacific High School cafeteria, 1259 13th Avenue Hanford, CA. 93230

In lieu of flowers a donation in Jim's name can be made to the Mineral King Preservation society (P.O. Box 286 Exeter, CA. 93221). A place very near and dear to his heart.

He will be missed dearly.

Published in Tulare Advance-Register & Visalia Times-Delta on Sept. 15, 2018

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/visaliatimesdelta/obituary.aspx?n=james-n-parks&pid=190210636

Cabin Sketches Available

Jana Botkin is "cleaning house" and is offering to sell the leftover drawings she did for the 1998 book, "The Cabins of Mineral King."  Please take a look and see if there is anything that interests you, and contact her directly.  Photos of these drawings are on her blog, in two parts.

Part one is here: http://www.cabinart.net/tough-decision-part-one

Part two is here: http://www.cabinart.net/tough-decision-part-two

Also, as a reminder, the scheduled date to turn off and drain the WMK water system is Wednesday, October 10.  Road gates are scheduled to be locked on Wednesday, October 31.  Subject to weather, of course.

Last Mineral King Ranger Program

This weekend is your last chance to enjoy a Ranger-led program.  Enjoy!

Ranger Programs, August 31 - September 2

Enjoy this weekend's ranger programs--they're winding down for the season!

Billy Clough Memorial Sign

The historic memorial plaque for William O. Clough has gone missing this summer! Did you or someone you know happen to find it, or remove it in order to restore it? Those who are interested in preserving Mineral King history would like to see it returned. Please let us know if you know anything about this sign.  Thank you!

Trip Report by Mike Peterson: August 22, 2018

“I did an exhausting trek up to Farewell Gap, and I must tell you that the National Park did a great job rebuilding the terrible washouts and trail damage that the spring rains did.  Early on along the trail, the gravel in the trail was shoveled out  and rocks were inserted to allow trekkers to drop down and climb out of the ravine.

“Poorly captured by me was a higher part of the trail that was washed out and rebuilt by hand with underlying rocks from the base of the ravine, to provide a supportive surface for the trail. Perhaps you can see at the far view, how the rocks have been arranged to recreate the trail?

“Also should mention, Mike Botkin narrowly prevented a fire at the East Mineral King cabin row.  After a weekend, a guest staying at one of the cabins discarded ashes that they thought were cold into the base of a tree adjacent to a cabin.  The cabin had no fire or ash pit and no hose for putting out fires.  24-36 hours later, the ashes started smoldering and caused a small fire in the bushes adjacent to tree and cabin.  Mike heard crackling of the fire and smelled smoke and put it out before it could spread to the tree and the cabin and the rest of the cabins in the row.  Need to remind cabin owners that they need to have ash and fire pits with 10 feet of clearance of all vegetation for discarding ashes, and the visitors to their cabins need to be fire-safety aware and instructed on fire safety.”

Park Ranger Programs

Be sure and enjoy the last few weekends of Ranger Programs at Mineral King.  The final programs are scheduled for September 8, the weekend after Labor Day, and is also the weekend of the Dark Sky Festival.

Here is this weekend's programs: