AJ Parks' Obituary
PARKS, AJ, age 28, of Xenia and formerly of Fairborn and Wilmington, passed away on February 8, 2026.
He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 8, 1997, in the care of his nana, Lynne. He moved to Ohio and was raised with love and guidance by his nana; his aunt, Stephanie (Matt); his grandpa, Adrial (Teri); and his aunt, Gina. He leaves behind many aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, and friends.
AJ was a gentle soul whose kindness brought warmth, curiosity, and quiet joy to the lives of all who knew him. From a young age, he showed a deep love for all living things – starting with bugs as a child, and growing into a love of the forest/wilderness and animals. He was known for taking in stray animals (and humans). He had a big heart and a rare gift for seeing the good in everyone, treating every living being with kindness and respect.
Nature was his sanctuary. Whether hiking a favorite trail or simply sitting quietly outdoors, he felt most alive and at peace surrounded by trees, fresh air, and open sky. He also loved to cook and considered himself a self-taught chef.
AJ’s inquisitive nature led him to explore the world with open eyes and an open heart, approaching life with creativity and infectious optimism. His entrepreneurial spirit meant that he spent hours with those closest to him talking about mushroom farms, treehouse cabins, DJing, making music, flipping houses, flooring installation, and helping the homeless. Helping others brought him the most joy.
He believed in the deep connectivity of the universe – that we’re all woven together in ways both seen and unseen. That belief shaped the way he lived: with compassion, acceptance, and tenderness. He gave love freely – and in some cases, he gave love and loyalty to those most of us would not have. To say he will be profoundly missed and forever remembered does no justice to the gaping hole that’s been created in so many of us.
Above all, AJ saw the good in people, offering compassion, understanding, and grace without judgment. He leaves behind a legacy of gentleness, curiosity, and love – a reminder to be kind, to stay curious, and to care deeply for one another and the world we share. If you were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him, you’ll remember the positive energy and excitement in his eyes when he discussed a topic he loved, and the feeling of being seen in his presence.
As we celebrate AJ, we honor the light he brought into this world and the gentle reminder he leaves with us: to live with open hearts, to care for all living beings, to stay curious, and to trust that we are all forever connected – beyond time, beyond form, beyond what we can see. His journey continues in ways we may not fully understand, but we feel it – in love, in memory, in the quiet knowing that we are never truly separate.
A celebration of life service will be held at 12 pm on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook. Pastor Greg Delaney will be officiating. AJ will be laid to rest with his family at Spring Valley Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11 am – 12 pm on Friday at the funeral home. If desired, contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Greene County (https://www.humanesocietygreenecounty.com/donate) or the Bridges of Hope shelter (https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/sk-bridges-of-hope/donation-form).
Following the service, the family invites everyone to join them at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge in Xenia for food and fellowship as they share memories and celebrate AJ’s life.
Condolences for the family may be left at https://www.connerandkoch.com.
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