“Diamond” Jim Parker (1938-2003)
Diamond Jim Parker was born in Hastings, Nebraska, in 1938, “Diamond” Jim Parker first got exposed to the circus by his father when he took him to the Shriners’ Circus as it passed through town. He noticed how circus people loved their animals, and it was this relationship that initially caused him to want to join the circus.
His 20-year Navy career started in 1957 which subsequently sent him to Hawaii. While in Hawaii, Parker met up with some old circus friends he knew as a child. One of his friends, a stilt-walker, dressed Parker up as a clown to help with their circus’ ticket sales. This was his first circus performance. But far from his last!
Circuses Diamond Jim Parker performed with
- Bentley Bros. Circus
- Clyde Bros. Circus
- Circus Vargas
- King Bros. Circus
- Rudy Bros. Circus
- DeWayne Bros. Circus
- Wally Yee’s Greater European Shows (Hawaii)
- American Continental Circus (Circus Gatti)
- Circus America (Paul Kaye)
However, he was especially proud of having been a clown with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Also, in 1973, Jim was the assistant to the dean (Bill Ballantine) at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College.