In Memory

Kenneth Parker

Kenneth Parker

J. Kenneth Parker, An accomplished businessman, respected community leader, dedicated family man, finished his race on July 1, 2011 at age 67. Ken's legacy includes his outstanding achievements in the health insurance industry and international business in the Tampa Bay Area, and his contributions to Major League Baseball in St. Petersburg. A linchpin to Tampa Bay business, Ken led the charge as the Founder, President, and Chairman of the World Trade Center of Tampa Bay with former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco and other leaders to ensure Tampa would be a vital hub of international trade. His legacy solidified Tampa's recognition as a major international port, opening countless opportunities for the Florida business community and the Port of Tampa. Ken was born in Paducah, KY in 1943 and became a Floridian in 1957, where he graduated from Boca Ciega High School in 1962. After serving as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Ken graduated with a degree in Economics from St. Leo University in 1968, where he later served on the Board of Trustees. His successful business career began in the health insurance industry as a group man with Aetna, where he was honored as Man of the Year in 1970, in recognition for his outstanding success managing Aetna's major accounts. In 1972, he founded Parker & Parker Consultants, Inc. with his father (Mel Parker), specializing in special risk and sports insurance. Under Ken's leadership as President and Chairman, Parker & Parker Consultants became the largest provider of health insurance to Colleges, Universities, school districts and associations in the U.S. and ultimately changed the way health care is delivered to college students. Parker & Parker was ultimately sold to United Health Care and remains the dominant provider of student insurance in the United States. Ken served as President and Chairman of Florida Risk Planning Consultants, and as President and Chairman of Hamilton Insurance Company in Washington, D.C. In 1991, Ken founded The World Trade Center of Tampa Bay. He successfully opened the World Trade Center in the Port of Tampa as the cornerstone of the Channelside District and a key educational center for the University of South Florida. He served as President and Chairman of the Board of the World Trade Center of Tampa Bay, Florida World Trade Corporation, World Trade Association of Florida, and World Trade Net, Inc. In 1982, Ken (with James Martin) helped found the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. In 1993, he was inducted into the exclusive Society of International Business Fellows. In 1993 and 1994, Ken was inducted into Who's Who Worldwide for his outstanding achievements in business and community. His many achievements include opening international trade agreements, including NAFTA, and working with the U.S. Senate to open free trade with Cuba. His legacy as a driving force for Florida business has been widely written about including a cover feature in the Tampa Bay Business Journal. For making this dream for Tampa a reality, in 2000 Ken was awarded the honor of International Businessman of the Year by the Florida Council for International Development recognizing his contributions to Florida business. Ken is also remembered for his generous contributions to his community. He served as a member of Rotary Club of St. Petersburg, Suncoasters of St. Petersburg, was a founding member of The President's Club, St. Petersburg Country Club, and St. Petersburg Yacht Club. He generously dedicated many years of service to the Boy Scouts of Nina Harris Exceptional Center mentoring Boy Scouts with disabilities. Ken was a devoted family man and is survived by his dedicated and loving wife Michelle; his daughter, Deborah Anne Turner (and her husband Daniel); his son James Kenneth Parker, Jr. (and his wife Marit), his son Dr. Brian T. Parker, and his son Troy Parker; his sisters, Marion Wilson and Sara L 'Eon; 7 grandchildren; and 8 nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Mel Parker, his mother, Eloise Parker, and his brother Joseph Parker. Ken was also an avid sports fan, famous for his weekly poker games, a gifted gardener, a dynamic speaker and a lover of horse racing, owning several race horses during his life. According to his children, "Heaven will never be the same again."







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