The family of an Oxfordshire England rugby union lock have paid tribute to their father, describing him as their "hero".
Former international rugby union player James Parsons died on Sunday, February 22, aged 82, having been moved to the John Radcliffe Hospital.
In a touching tribute, his daughters Alice and Lottie said: “He was our hero really. The kindest and most genuine father anyone could have wished for.
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“Larger than life in both stature and spirit, he was our rock — always calm, reliable, and happy to see you, no matter how many difficulties he faced in his own life.”
His eldest daughter Gemma added: "He was a witty, charming and kind man who will be deeply missed by all."
Mr Parsons, who went by Jim, was born in Chipping Norton on March 13, 1943 and lived in Wootton, near Woodstock, until his death.
He was well-known in the world of rugby and has been described as a "terrific" player in the second row.
The England international lived at Lower Dornford Farm in Wootton, near Woodstock, for nearly 80 years before moving briefly to Bladon and spending the final two years of his life in the care of the nursing team at St Luke’s Hospital in Headington.
He was educated at The Dragon School in Oxford before attending The King’s School, Canterbury, where he excelled in rowing and rugby.
It was during this period, in 1962, that rugby enjoyed its golden age at King’s.
Following that, Mr Parsons, was capped four times by England as a lock in the 1968 Five Nations Championship.
He was introduced as one of eight debutants against Wales at Twickenham.
Mr Parsons was one of Oxford RFC’s best players in Iffley Road and earned his cap after joining Northampton.
Speaking to the Oxford Times in 2012, he said: "It was a big deal. Wales were a very good team and had far better players than we did.”
His top-level career would be ended when he suffered a knee injury playing sevens, after which he returned to Dornford, a 400‑acre mixed farm outside Woodstock.
Mr Parsons was raised there alongside his older sisters, Liza and Caroline and would eventually take over its running, devoting his life to farming until the age of 79.
His sister Liza, who lives in Sydney, spent every summer at the farm and in Charlbury, filling both places with warmth, happiness and love —something James deeply treasured.
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Mr Parsons was a much‑loved father to his three daughters Gemma, Lottie and Alice, and a proud grandfather to his seven grandchildren: George, Rosie, Poppy, Tom, Bella, Chloe and Finn.
He was devoted to Gilla, whom he married in 1973.
In addition he loved history books, biographies, war films, including Zulu, and riding a succession of motorbikes.
Of course, he also loved watching the rugby and was a familiar presence at his local pub, The Killingworth Castle in Wootton, where he could often be found holding fort at his seat at the bar.
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