Jim Parker, an Ohio State legend and 1974 College Hall of Fame inductee, passed away on July 18 at the age of 71. The former Buckeye died from complications from diabetes.
Remembered for his great achievements as a guard on the OSU offensive line, legendary Coach Woody Hayes called Parker, “the greatest offensive lineman I ever coached.” Parker’s versatility on both offense and defense helped Hayes’ Buckeyes go 23-5 during his three-year collegiate career, capturing two Big Ten Titles as well as the school’s second national championship.
His first year of Buckeye football was capped by an undefeated and championship season in 1954. The 10-0 year featured Parker as both an offensive guard and middle linebacker. On offense, he paved the way for Hall of Fame Halfback Howard “Hopalong” Cassady, and on defense he helped the Buckeyes hold opponents to 7.5 points per game. Most notably in 1954, Parker and the Buckeye defense stopped Michigan’s goal line threat at the end of the game, helping Ohio State secure victory and a trip to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl.
During his last two years in Columbus, Parker focused his attention on the guard position. Since the Buckeyes virtually ignored passing as an offensive weapon, they required devastating blocking on the line to make their ground game click, and Parker anchored of the line. He received consensus All-America honors in both 1955 and 1956, as well as the Outland Trophy Award in 1954 as the best interior lineman in college football, becoming the first Buckeye to receive the award.
Born in 1934 in Macon, Ga., Parker worked at a young age to help support his family and seven siblings. His brilliant work ethic remained with him throughout his celebrated life. When his family moved from Macon to Toledo, Ohio, Parker finished high school at Toledo Scott High School, setting his sights on Columbus for college.
He was as intent on receiving college degree, as he was dedicated to playing football under Hayes. Parker used his work ethic to balance both football and schoolwork, and he shared the satisfaction of earning his degree from Ohio State with Hayes. Following a successful stay in Columbus, Parker was a first-round draft pick by the Baltimore Colts in the NFL, and he made numerous All-Pro teams throughout his professional career.
“Big Jim” Parker had a colorful career as the anchor of the Ohio State’s line. He was arguably the best lineman of his time, and he was the heart-and-soul of two Big Ten Championship Buckeye teams. Despite his “faceless” position, Parker remained the beating pulse of the scarlet and gray.
