James Parkhurst (right), founder and curator of the military museum at American Legion Post 108, and Post 108 Commander Dave Perry. Photo by C.J. Carnacchio, Oxford Twp. Communications and Grants Manager.

By C.J. Carnacchio
Oxford Twp. Communications and Grants Manager
OXFORD TWP. – Nearly 30 years after its founding, the military museum at American Legion Walter Fraser Post 108 has a new name. During a special celebration held on Saturday (Veterans Day), it was rededicated as the “James A. Parkhurst Military Museum.”
“It’s a great honor,” said Parkhurst, a 1965 Oxford High School graduate and U.S. Army veteran. “It’s been a lot of hard work over the years. It’s a way to give back to the community.”
Parkhurst, 76, established the museum in 1994 and continues to serve as its curator. The collection, which started with about 40 uniforms on display in Post 108’s basement, has grown considerably over the years. Today, there are 250 uniforms from the U.S. Armed Forces and other nations spread across 10 spacious showcases. They represent a variety of conflicts dating back to the 19th century.
“Those aren’t uniforms. Those are vets. They’re here with us, looking back,” noted Parkhurst, a lifetime Legion member and past Post 108 commander.
The museum also contains a myriad of artifacts and memorabilia, including photographs, models of airplanes and ships, newspapers, flags, medals and badges, books, bayonets and firearms.
Parkhurst’s penchant for “wheeling and dealing” combined with strong community support in the form of donations of money, time and labor created the museum we know today.
Most of the collection came from veterans and families living in Oxford, Addison and Orion townships.

“We’ve saved a lot of history,” Parkhurst said. “It’s something for the community to be proud of. We’re leaving a legacy for future generations.”
The only thing greater than Parkhurst’s passion for preserving history is his desire to share it with local students. Over the years, thousands of Oxford and Orion students have toured the museum with Parkhurst serving as their guide.
“I think more young people need to visit and learn from what’s in here,” he said. “History repeats itself when people don’t learn from it.”
Parkhurst’s dream is to win “the big lottery” and construct a brand-new American Legion building with “a huge museum.”
“If I had the money, that’s what I do,” he said.
Parkhurst is quite proud of his own military service. He was in the U.S. Army from 1966-68 and spent 18 months in South Korea.
Serving in the Armed Forces is a proud tradition in Parkhurst’s family. His father fought in World War II. His uncles served in World War I and the Korean War. Parkhurst also has ancestors who fought in the American Revolution and the U.S. Civil War.
In addition to overseeing the museum, Parkhurst and his wife of 50 years, Donna, enjoy helping others. The couple’s ability to find deals and secure donations has enabled Post 108 to provide toys, food and parties for local children and families in need, which has helped make many holidays a little brighter.
During Saturday’s celebration, Parkhurst received additional honors in the form of a “Certificate of Special Senatorial Recognition” from U.S. Sen. Gary Peters and a tribute from U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain, which was read into the Congressional Record on Nov. 2.
“To many, Jim is a profound inspiration . . . Jim has selflessly donated his time to make sure others are safe, our veterans are taken care of and everyone can get the help they need,” said Congresswoman McClain.