It is with great sadness that I learned of J.P.’s passing. J.P. and I grew up together in Smooth Rock Falls, ON, attended school together, played sports and partied together. Although we followed different career paths, during our travels, we would meet in different cities and reminisce about old times over a few “pops”.
Our deepest sympathy go out to the entire Parise family during these most difficult times.

Vince and Jessie Cinq-Mars
Brantford, ON, Canada

I GIVE ALL THE SUPPORT TO ZACH AND JORDAN AND DONNA IT WAS A MODEL FOR ME AND ITS A GREAT ONE OF THE MINNESOTA NORTH STARS ERA !!! R.I.P JP PARISE !!! GOD BLESS ZACH AND ALL THE PARISE FAMILY A FRIEND FROM SAINT-HYACINTHE.QUEBEC.CANADA !!! FRED DARSIGNY

He wasn’t just the best corner man hockey has ever known, he was also a very kind and gentle man.

I shall remember for all my days how at ease he put me when we were having difficulties with a tribute to my late brother Tommy, J P’s old line mate with the North Stars. He asked me in front of a large crowd to just share my thoughts and feelings about my brother and helped me along when I got stuck a couple of times.

He was a remarkable man who was always available for advice or to share stories about the old days of hockey. When I think of J P, I believe the words of Jackie Gleason when describing his on -TV wife Alice in the “Honeymooners” are appropriate.

“J.P., You’re the greatest”

I will miss you, as so many others will.

Butch Williams

Donna, Zach, Jordy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. JP was a wonderful man. I had listened to Leslie’s stories about him for so many years. All filled with love and laughter. I felt lucky to have met him and spent some time with Donna and JP in Colorado. I have been praying for you all during this hard time. I hope good memories fill your hearts with joy during this time. His legacy will live on in his sons and grandchildren, that is a gift in itself. XO

Laura (Leslie’s friend)

Donna and boys, my heart goes out to each of you! My kids too lost their dad at a young age, remember the good times with your dad – know he is in heaven watching over your grandchildren and those yet to come! He raised your boys right Donna-you will always feel his love through them. Take Care… Live each day knowing he will be with you always! .Deb Jabs

Donna & Family,

My prayers are with you as you face this difficult time. The tribute here was beautifully written and heartfelt. Bruce and I will remember the time we spent with JP at our Advantage holiday partied. He was a remarkable man and, Donna, you both raised sons who are equally as remarkable. Take care,

Lori & Bruce Hunstad

Donna, Zach, Jordan and family. I am praying for you and your family through this tough time. I had the pleasure of meeting JP on multiple occasions. He was a regular at a bank I used to work at. I remember him coming in on a day we were having a “Wild” day where people could wear jerseys. He gave me a funny look and a “Why not a Devils jersey?” with a loud laugh. He always gave a few minutes of his time to have a short chat whenever he was in and was one of the nicer people I have met in my life. I saw Donna and JP a few days after Zach signed to play in Minnesota. They looked like the happiest most proud couple imaginable. RIP JP

Donna, Jordan and Zach. Thoughts and prayers to you at this time of great sadness. I’m so glad that I’ve gotten to know you all. RIP JP

So sorry for your loss, may j.p. rest in peace and godbless !

[…] about the simple things in life – a tickle, a beard rub or a wrestling match with his sons, his obituary […]

To the Parise Family:

Your father is a gift to many people. Not only did he teach you young men how to live and love your friends, he taught you how to love your spouse, family and seemingly everyone you encounter. Maybe just as important, his life and death are such noble examples to us people from afar who never had the chance to meet him. I get the sense that J.P. and Donna’s profound love for your (Zach and Jordan) children is why many people are not only watching Wild hockey more, (Zach’s playing the game right and hard every night) but also why so many players around the league seem to have the utmost respect for Zach. (You rarely see anyone mess with him). Your father and husband’s spirit will always be with you. Thank you for all of your examples to the youth and adults of this world-all led by J.P.

We would like to extend our sympathy to all of JP’s family and friends.
Jean-Paul brought recognition to the Town of Smooth Rock Falls – a “home-town hero”.
He last came to SRF in Dec. 2013 – an honoured guest – his accomplishments acknowledged locally.
Thanks for the memories!
Raymond & Sheila Jacques (Sheila: Curator of the SRF Museum).

Please accept my deepest sympathy in regards to your dad’s passing. He was a good man, When Donna and JP came to Smooth Rock Falls, I had the pleasure of accompanying him. To visit our Detox centre and local hospital! He was so caring taking the time to talk to the residents , remembering a lot of them by name. It did not matter how much time the people wanted with him he took the time. He left a good impression on our residents, he then went to the Legion were a gathering was held in his honor. We laughed at many of the stories that people told. I will always have good memories of that day ,it was the first time that I met Donna another great person.

Our deepest sympathies in this time of sorrow. Although, at such a time as this, there’s little one can do, we hope it helps to know we are thinking of you and your loved ones. (Eldest son and daughter in law to the late Al Dubord)

TO THE PARISE FAMILY

We would like to express our deepest condolences to Donna, Jordan and Zach and also to daughter Colette Dahmer, Markdale, Ontario, Canada and son Marc Parise in Barrie, Ontario, Canada.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
We will never forget you.
R.I.P. my friend.

I remember the first time we met your Dad. We had just moved here from Texas and Ryan and Adam decided they wanted to play hockey. We were at one of the 5am mite hockey practices and your Dad came and asked us if he could have Ryan practice with his squirt team which was practicing right after the mites. Ryan was terrified by the size and skill of the squirts and was crying and saying he did not want to go on the ice. your Dad came, put his arm around him and led him onto the ice….the rest is history! Not only did he take him under his wing, he brought the whole family with him! He not only taught hockey, but life lessons to all three of my sons! He and your Mom gave Terry his first babysitting job. I don’t know if you remember, but you and Terry were playing hockey in the house and put a hole in the wall! Your Mom and Dad sat Terry down and helped him understand the importance of respect! I also remember your Dad always said that Ryan and Zach always got where they wanted to be by going down 35W and you and Adam got there as well, but you took the county roads! Meaning, it makes no difference how you get there, as long as you get there! You and Adam always stopped to smell the roses! HAHA When ever your Dad was mentioned at family occassions, we all smiled. He was such an awesome man and we will love and respect him forever! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!

My sincere sympathies to the family and friends, he will be missed but foreever inour hearts

To Donna Parise and Family

Deepest Sympathies to You All during this very difficult time.
J.P.,Rest in peace good Sir and thanks for the memories.

The Fasano Family
Cochrane Ontario

Le dimanche 11 janvier 2015
À la famille de Jean-Paul Parisé
L’étoile du nord
Nous sommes très tristes d’apprendre le décès de notre joueur favori. Ma famille et moi étions très fiers quand Jean Paul Parisé était sur la glace, c’est comme si, il nous représentait ou encore il jouait pour nous. Papa nous montrait toujours un petit sourire du coin de la bouche démontrant son petit bonheur. Par contre on était un peu mêlé quand il rencontrait le Canadien de Montréal, on ne savait plus exactement où mettre nos priorités. Car nous supportons le Canadien. C’est comme quand Zac a compté un but contre « Équipe Canada » on était furieux et aussi content.
De toute façon, nous sommes fiers de porter le même nom Parisé car Jean-Paul, l’Étoile du nord, est notre fierté. Nous sommes tristes avec vous et recevez s’il vous plaît nos prières et nos pensées positives. Il restera toujours notre Étoile du nord.
Langis Parisé, Gatineau, Québec, Canada (gaspésien dans le cœur)

Sunday, 11 January 2015-01-11
To Jean-Paul Parisé’s Family,
The North Star
We are very sad to learn of the death of our favourite hockey player. My family and I were very proud when Jean-Paul was on the ice; it was as if he represented us or like he was playing for us. Papa always showed his happiness by the small turned up smile at the corner of his mouth. We were, however, a bit mixed up when Jean-Paul met the Montreal Canadiens, we did not know exactly where our loyalties were. You see, we were Canadien fans. The same thing happened when Zac counted against “Team Canada” we were furious on one hand, but also pleased on the other.
Regardless, we are proud to carry the same name Parisé as Jean-Paul, the North Star, is our pride. Know that we are sad for your loss and please accept our prayers and positive thoughts for you and your family. Jean-Paul will always be our North Star.
Langis Parisé, Gatineau, Québec, Canada (always Gaspésien in the heart)

I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to the entire family. JP was a wonderful man, husband, and father. Donna you are a wonderful woman.

It is with the heaviest heart that I send my condolences to the family and friends of JP Parise. JP was a hometown hero that always made us feel special. As kids when he came home to visit his family, he always gave us something like a hockey stick with his name on it. He was a good friend of my dad as well. When he visited Smooth Rock Falls in Dec. 2012, he had a chance to see dad and took a great pic with him. Dad was very proud that day. JP will always have a piece of our hearts for that is the type of guy he was. You could not ask for better. Rest in peace my friend. Until we meet again….

Deepest sympathies to the Parise family
Much sadnest felt in the passing of JP
Friend, hero all around gpod guy
Your courage will be missed

All of our heartfelt sympathy to all affected

Best regards et bon courage

Sympathie to the Parise Family. It is with heavy heart that i send my condolences. JP was a great men and always made us feel special when he came back to Smooth Rock Falls. He was my hero. He was Our Jean Beliveau

Donna, Zack, Jordan, Marc and Colette
There are no words to express the sadness we feel about JP’s death. He was such a great man.
We share comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering.
He will live on in our memories forever.

My heart goes out to your family with this loss. I will remember JP fondly as one of the kindest and funniest people I’ve had the honor of meeting. Thoughts are with all of you as you deal with the pain of losing this wonderful man.

Over 40 years ago I met JP @ a St.Paul Chamber of Commerce function @ the Rathskellar @ the Schmidt Brewry. He was such a sincere guy, he talked to me as though I was very interesting & he seem to care. A simple act of human kindness and I remembered it for all of these years. I’m sorry JP’s gone…the world is better because of him.

Our family got the pleasure of meeting J.P. when he coach the Bucs in Des Moines and J.P. always took time to interact with my son who was then 8 and give him a piece of hard candy on his way off the ice or teach him new French words. He always stressed the importance of being a good person and individual and he was so proud of the young men his two sons had become. Our lives were enriched just be knowing J.P. and we send our sincere condolences to the Parise family.

Dear Donna,
It has been 32+ years since we met at the pregnancy class when you were pregnant with Jordan. We became instant friends those many years ago, but unfortunately lost contact a long time ago. I have thought of you often, especially when following your boy’s hockey careers. I am so very sorry for your loss. You and J.P. were such a happy, loving couple and I know you were great parents to your boys. You are going through a very difficult time right now, but will always have the wonderful memories of J.P. and raising your beautiful family together. Please contact me sometime……it would be so nice to hear from you again!!
Marcia

Donna, Zach and Jordie, My families thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. Be thankful your dad was able to hold your twins and be able to celebrate their birth with you, that is truly a special moment to cherish. I was so thankful to meet and work with your dad at Shattuck and share a few stories. A man with unmatched passion.
Des, Liz, Claire and Liam Christopher

I’m so sorry you are missing a hole in your family. A dad, a husband, and friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you say goodbye.
The wilker family

My deepest condolences to the Parise family. I grew up across the street from. J.P. in Bloomington, and have nothing but a happy memory of him. He was very kind man and would give my dad North Star tickets to take us to the game, that was pretty awesome. Not many kids can say that. Although I was very young, I will always remember the coolest Hockey player across the street who gave us tickets, had the best smile, and was the sweetest man. R.I.P. J.P.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the Parise family. Many years ago I met Donna and JP. He brought over to our house, a Northstar hockey puck for my little boy. Scott played hockey with that for a long time. Years have gone by, and now Scott has a son who plays hockey….and that would be my grandson. So thank you JP and Donna for the memories. I’ll never forget.

To the Parise family:
I remember when your dad moved into our neighborhood late 60s early 70s off of Old Shakopee Road, and he was a young hockey player!! I can remember us neighborhood kids going by his house to see if we could get a hockey puck or even better yet an autograph!! Our parents told us not to go over and bother him. We were just 10 yrs old and he certainly was a celebrity to us!! That was back in the day when on Sat am we could go to the Met Stadium and watch the North Stars practice, get right down by the boards.. Up close watching them skate!!! Great childhood memories and thank you for that!!! May you all remember the special moments that have made your family memories and hold them tight. Julie

To the Parise family,
We are so sorry for your loss, Donna, Colette, Marc, Jordy and Zach and to all extended family and friends. I had the pleasure of growing up with Colette mad Marc and knowing your grandchildren, Bryan, Stephanie, Daniel, and Jessie. It was always wonderful when JP came to visit his kids in Kincardine, Ontario. He was my uncle and named my Godfather when I was a baby.. I wish we had spent more time together. I feel grateful that my father, Rolly Landry, brother and his children spent time with JP and Zach in recent years. Great stories of great people. Always in our hearts. Treena, Darren, Kane and Tye Johnson (related to the Cyrs of Smooth Rock Falls).

It is with a heavy heart that I express my sympathy to you Donna and your family. It was such a pleasure to reconnect with JP last year in Smooth Rock. May you find strength with friends and family during this difficult time and days ahead.

Lana

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of J.P. He was a wonderful and fun loving man. I remember him from Smooth Rock Falls many years ago! He was very kind to everyone he knew. He has also instilled his wonderful qualities in his children. Sincere sympathies to his family. RIP. J.P.

To the Parise Family…
It was with great sorrow that I heard of JP’s death. He was a team-mate (St Marys Lincolns 60-61) a classmate (Gr 12 St Marys District Collegiate) and a friend whose memory will never be replaced! With fondness and prayers for a super friend….God bless.
George & Lynda Cifa

Our condolences go out to the Parise family on the loss of JP. He will be missed by all the past and present hockey players. I had the fortune to have an uncle who was friends with JP and when they got together to chat about old times it was always very entertaining. When JP would return home during the off season he would play soft ball and was always very kind to all. Rest in Peace JP.

Dear Family Parise:

The Town of Smooth Rock Falls wishes to express their deepest condolences for your loss in this time of grief. We hope you take comfort in knowing that J.P. will be in the heart of our community and the thoughts of our citizens.

Mayor, Michel Arsenault
Smooth Rock Falls, ON

My regrets to the Parisé family. JP was a fine person and deserving of the highest esteem. He will live forever in the hearts of Smooth Rock.

Gatineau

Ken & I feel so honoured and privileged to have had the opportunity to meet JP and your family while you visited family in Sun City. We will always remember the many hockey stories/experiences that he shared.
His love and passion for his family and life is memorable.
Donna, Zach ,Jordie – your Husband /Father will always be remembered . Be proud!

Our thoughts & prayers to the Parise Family. I was fortunate enough to meet JP when his Des Moines Bucs came to play our Sioux Falls Stampede. After the game and meetings were done he turned & saw me there with my North Stars book and jacket, and that big friendly smile appeared and he signed pictures and told stories about each one. A very special 15 minutes in the life of a “Minnesota hockey kid”. They had to come and get him because the bus was waiting to leave. The next trip back I was able to introduce my daughter who plays to him. His love for the game and those who play it is unmeasurable. He gained a new fan from yet another generation. She uses his words of wisdom and passion for the game to this day in her college play, and yes…….they had to come and get him again……because the bus was waiting to leave . A special man and ambassador for our sport and the State of Hockey.
Rest in Peace JP

Our sincere sympathies to Donna Jordan & Zach and Colette &Marc.Marcel was one of JP’s very good friend in Smooth Rock Falls and has good memories.After JP started to play hockey he used to call Marcel and say hey Marcel we are playing in TO or Buffalo or even Montreal and have tickets if you want to come of course Marcel would go.our son went a couple of times with him now he is 49 and still has JP hockey stick that was signed by the NYI team when JP played for them.Very very good memoriesJP you will be missed and you will never be forgotten you are a model for everyone that knew you.

Met Jeep in Smooth Rock Falls in the late ’60. Still have this picture at home. Follow his career. A great one but I admire more the man he was. A true honest man. A leader and an inspiration for all of us watching him playing in the NHL. Years later, I became a sports writer. Had a chance to chat a lot with Jeep. At home, I have two scrap books of newspaper clips about his career. His Mom gave me picture of Jeep when he was a child. Have to pics in my scrapbook. Have a lot of good memories of Jeep. In my heart, he will be always alive.
Merci pour tout Jeep. Bon voyage. Zach, Jordan Donna, stay strong and keep smiling and laughing just like Jeep did all his life. See you in Montreal, Zach…

Sympathy to the Parise family on the loss of a true hockey legend.

Feom the Robert Leroux family our sincere sympathy to the Parise family. Although J.P. was couple of decades older than I, he was raised on the same street in the town he made famoat – Smooth Rock Falls. Our hearts were filled with emotions in September 1972 when our skated with the best on the world. Thanks for the memories and making us dream of hockey futures….it made us better persons on life just like you were.

Feom the Robert Leroux family our sincere sympathy to the Parise family. Although J.P. was couple of decades older than I, he was raised on the same street in the town he made famost-Smooth Rock Falls. Our hearts were filled with emotions in September 1972 when our skated with the best in the world. Thanks for the memories and making us dream of hockey futures….it made us better persons in life just like you were.

I wanted to say that I watched your father play for the NYIslanders in 1975-1978 and I saw the goal that your dad scored in the 1975 playoffs against the NY Rangers. I saw you play hockey for the Albany riverrats in 2004-2005 before you went to New Jersey Devils. I have a replica jersey with your name Parise and number 11 on it and it has the Albany riverrat patch as well as a New jersey Devil patch on it. When you went to Minnesota Wild to play, I watched you and I am on your fan club site. I really think that it will take some time before you can realize what your father meant to you. Hold on to all the good memories of times you spent with your father and they will help you through the tough times ahead. Your father’s spirit will always be in your heart. Always hold on to that. I will be praying for you and your family. From a fan and a good listener. MY email is on this note so do not hesitate to email me or talkt o me when ever you need someone to talk to. Linda

Donna, Jordan and Zach my deepest condolences to you. JP was like a huge ray of sunshine. He would walk into a room and flash that smile of his and no matter how bad a day you were having, he made you feel all better. I feel very honored to have been able to work with him and call him a friend. Rest in peace my friend

Heureux de t’avoir connu J.P. Tu laisseras un grand vide dans cette petite communauté qu’est Smooth Rock Falls. Je t’ai connu davantage sur Facebook et j’ai aimé nos échanges et taquineries!

Repose en paix. Condolences to the Parise Family!

Our sincere condolences to the Parisé Family.
I knew JP as my babysitter. He was always fun. He would pick up the mail for my mother on his way home from school. His parents and mine were long term friends in Smooth Rock Falls so we saw them regularly. Later on when JP visited his parents in SMF my parents would be invited. He always had good stories and made salsa from scratch. I have very fond memories of him and his family during my youth.
May your memories of him be a source of healing during the hard times.
Monique Vezina and Family

JP Parise passed away on my birthday. When I was young he used to be my babysitter. I remember having fun with him, he made me laugh & he didn’t care about bed time. My sister, brother & I were sworn to secrecy. JP’s parents and mine were best friends, so I got to see him a lot. Later, I became his parent’s neighbor in 1976. I bought his parent’s home after his dad passed away. I used to call them Uncle Robert and Aunt Bertha. It’s hard for me to come to terms with his death, it doesn’t seem like that long ago I saw him eating in his mom’s kitchen. I’d like to offer my condolences to all his 4 children, his wife and family. He will be rememberd and missed.

A great loss , very sorry to hear about this. I think it was around 1973, my father , Guy, from Smooth Rock Falls, arranged for us to meet him after a game in Buffalo. JP was kind enough to gift us his stick with the autographs of the entire Minnesota Team. I will never forget it. God Bless the Parise Family.

After watching the Eastern Conference Hockey Playoff game, my husband and I were once again reliving his playing days back in Minnesota as a kid. Born and raised in Minneapolis, he left home in 1981 for a military career. Now retired from the military, he stills loves the game and we proudly wear our Minnesota Wild hockey fan clothing here in Louisiana. His favorite player has always been J.P. Parise and I have always loved his stories about how he pretended he was J.P. when he played always insisting he play left wing even though he is right handed. It is his love of the game and stories about Mr. Parise that I became a fan too. We have enjoyed watching Zach play as a Wild player while wearing his father’s number. During another conversation tonight proclaiming his adoration of his childhood idol, I wondered if Mr. Parise could be at the games. We were immensely disappointed to learn of his passing in January. I’m sure every guy who idolized this great North Star feel that way. Please know that we are heartbroken over this news and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Parise family as they negotiated this difficult time without him. He will always be remembered as a wonderful sports idol to my husband and from the other notes on your page, it appears he was a hero to his family in life as well. What a wonderful legacy he has left his fans and family.