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, mother-in-law, Arlene (Erwin) Riba, and father-in-law, Bruce Bycraft.
You had the biggest heart and cared so deeply for every one of us, always offering wise words and guidance. More than anything, Uncle Jay, you taught us what family truly means. You showed us that family is the greatest blessing in life—that it's about showing up, loving fiercely, laughing often, and never taking a moment together for granted.
Your love for Aunt Diane shined brighter than any light, and your love story was one of loyalty, devotion, laughter, and unconditional love, and it's something we will always admire.
He was the one who could always make you smile, the one who made sure everyone was having a good time and never felt left out. He had a way of bringing people together, whether it was telling stories, his sense of humor, or the endless shenanigans.
When I look back on the happiest memories of our lives, every single one seems to include you. Family gatherings, holidays, bonfires, celebrations, lake days-near-death tubing experiences and all-nighters out on the town, somehow became special because you were there.
Thank you for every lesson, every word of encouragement, every laugh, and every memory you've given us. Thank you for helping shape the people we are today. Your guidance will continue to lead us, your laughter will echo through our family, and your love will forever be in our lives.
The laughter won't sound quite the same without you, and there will always be an empty seat where you should be. But your spirit will live on at every family gathering, in every story we tell, and every smile.
This is a really tough one for our family.We love you beyond words, Uncle Jay. Thank you for loving us as if we were your own and for being the heart of our family. We will miss you. Until we meet again, Uncle Trouble ❤️