Long time beer industry insider Jim Parker passed away today, from the after-effects of a stroke. I first met Jim when he came to Bellingham to be the first sales rep for Chuckanut when they first opened, and he had a series of other jobs in town, including at Kulshan when they first opened. After a divorce, he moved to PDX, where he worked at several breweries and beer related industries, most recently at Baerlic. Jim was a funny person, and seemingly knew everyone in the beer world. A good man. he will be missed by many. RIP Little Buddy.
I don't even know how to react to this. My contact with Jim was pretty limited, but I was always struck by how friendly and easy to get along with he was. And I never could understand how he seemed to show up pretty much everywhere in pdx (when I first moved out here back in 2004). He was one of those people I considered a fixture here in the pnw. Someone who was here long before I ever got here... And who would surely be here long after I'm gone. To say he'll be sorely missed is an understatement.
His back story goes way back in the modern craft beer world. I hope somebody writes up a long form piece on him.
Sad news. Jim and the former Awesome Ales owner just started a new brewery in Astoria, Asher David Brewing. https://www.brewbound.com/news/asher-david-brewing-cellarworks-to-launch-in-oregon
So, as happens, the big Kulshan barrel release was today. Whilst raising glasses to Jim, turns out Kulshan is going to brew a tribute beer. More details when I get them.
Happy Birthday Jim! https://brookstonbeerbulletin.com/b...in3WG-xTpNbQxP-H-m4sIwWDvcTioCk2mo758jARPzzgo
