Houghton University Athletics

Jim arrived as a student at Houghton College in the fall of 1963, but he wasn’t new to the College or the community, having grown up here and having cut his teeth, athletically speaking in Bedford Gym. He immediately established himself as an outstanding multi-sport athlete. During his career, Jim excelled and lettered in an amazing 7 sports - Baseball, Soccer, Swimming, Football, Tennis, Track & Field, (where he won championships in high jump, long jump, low hurdles and relays) and Basketball, (where he led the league in scoring every year). He was awarded Houghton’s “Big H” Award.
 
Jim was more than an athlete. He excelled in the classroom, received the Student Senate Award for Excellence and was part of the classical music ensemble directed by Dr. Elton Basney.
 
After college, Jim went on to medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical Center and then did his post-graduate residency work with the University of Rochester affiliated hospitals. He has established himself in Gainesville, GA where he developed a private medical practice and served as the Medical Director for the Northeast Georgia Medical Center.
Jim has 9 siblings. He and his wife, Connie (Witmer), also a proud member of the Class of ’67, have 3 daughters, Adrian, Nicole and Miriam.
 
Dr. Parks continues to be active and enjoys golf, tennis, hunting, fishing and being a Grandpa. He is a respected Elder and spiritual leader at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Thank you, Jim, for being such a good role model for all of us.