James (“Jamie/Jim”) Parnell Erion

James (“Jamie/Jim”) Parnell Erion, 54, of Santa Ana, CA, passed away unexpectedly on November 19th.

Jim grew up in Nashua, NH, the son of Donald & Lorraine Erion. He and his family initially lived on Alice Drive, where many happy memories and long-lasting friendships were formed with neighborhood kids. These memories included “borrowing” money for the ice cream truck, playing in the street until the lights came on, Sunday “mystery rides” and scavenger hunts with Maureen & Jen to name a few…simpler times. His family also spent considerable time, during the summer months, at Nashua Swim & Tennis with those same friends, as well as Lake Sunapee with extended family. Jim attended Nashua High School, followed by a PG year at Vermont Academy, where he played lacrosse. That passion initially took him to Roanoke College, but later finishing his college studies at Wentworth Institute of Technology, in Boston.

Jim’s path of becoming an architect was derailed, once he worked for, then later purchasing, a small painting franchise in NH. Shortly thereafter, he moved to California and never looked back. There, he built an extremely successful painting business, then more recently, an extermination business. Anyone who knew Jim, knew of his unwavering work ethic and regime, whether that applied to business or personal fitness/body building…the latter being one of his biggest passions. Another passion being his car collection, which he was constantly adding to. Anyone who knew Jim, also knew of his loyalty and support to those he considered friends and family; a delineation that was often blurred. The saying “he would give you the shirt off his back” was meant for him.

Above all, Jim was most passionate about his son, Astro. Whether he was accompanying him to his DJ’ing events or football games, his pride and love for him exuded. He loved everything about fatherhood and watching Astro learn and grow into the kind and caring teenager he is today.

Jim is predeceased by his mother and several beloved dogs (i.e. his “boys”) He is survived by his wife, Sara, and son, Jay “Astro” and their three beautiful, pampered Great Danes; Ethel, Chuck & Hank. Additionally, he is survived by his father and step-mother, Donald & Nancy Erion of Saint Augustine, FL; siblings; Lisa Stone (Derek, Libby & Jackson) of Plainfield, NH; Marcy Erion (Ron) of Amherst, NH; step-siblings; Kendra Hackett (Sam & Ethan) of Hampton, NH; Kurt Sell (Amy & Addi) of Austin, TX; and Eric Sell of Beverly Hills, many cousins and countless, devoted friends.

A gathering, to celebrate Jim’s life, will be held at a later date and information is forthcoming. In his memory, donations can be made to the Orange County Humane Society; https://www.ochumanesociety.com/