James “Jay” W. Parisho, age 70, of Whitmore Lake, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI, passed away on July 28, 2026, at Michigan Medicine Hospital in Ann Arbor.
He was born on March 9, 1956, in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of John and Virginia (Groomes) Parisho. Jay grew up in Ann Arbor in his early years and moved to Chelsea during high school. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1974 and graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1979 with a BA.
On May 19, 1979, he married Diane B. (Bycraft), and they shared 47 years of marriage. They raised their family in Chelsea and enjoyed many years at their cottage on Whitmore Lake. Jay was self-employed as a CPA and CFP and worked in the field for more than 45 years. He was passionate about his work and took great pride in what he did.
Following retirement, Jay and Diane made their home on Whitmore Lake, where he enjoyed spending time on the water and boating. He especially enjoyed time with his family and grandchildren. Jay had a quick wit and sense of humor and would harass just about anyone.
In addition to his wife, Diane, Jay is survived by two sons, Scott Parisho of Chelsea and Aaron (Kaitlin) Parisho of Chelsea; four grandchildren: Augustus, Rosie, Archer, and Ambrose; and his siblings: John (Deborah) Parisho of Jackson, Becky (Jeff) Murillo of Jackson, and Dennis (Jenn) Parisho of Pinckney; brother-in-law, Duane (Karmel) Bycraft of Chelsea, sisters-in-law, Denise (Bob) Walter of Manchester, Lori (Gary) Wiltse of Spring Lake, and Anita (John) Bycraft-Walker of Ann Arbor; as well as several nieces, nephews, other extended family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ginny Parisho, and mother-in-law, Arlene (Erwin) Riba, and father-in-law, Bruce Bycraft.
Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m., and at Zion Lutheran Church on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea, with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating. Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Whitmore Lake.
Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or the American Heart Association.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
