Mr. Parkinson’s clients included the survivors of the infamous Bataan Death March of 1942 and others who were used as slave labor for Japanese corporations – such as Mitsubishi, Mitsui and Nippon Steel – for 3 and l/2 years. Starved, beaten and brutally enslaved, the work these men did helped those companies become billion dollar multi national corporations.

Jim, along with his legal colleagues, fought the battle in the courts and the halls of Congress to obtain compensation for his clients who were used as slave labor. Mr. Parkinson invested six years of his time on a contingency fee without any guarantee of ever being paid. Unfortunately, the case was lost in the courts. When the men turned to Congress, the Bush Administration killed the legislation both times. The men received nothing.

The story is amazing and better told in person by Jim. Mr. Parkinson wrote his book, along with his co-author Lee Benson, in the hopes of attracting attention to the case so that the men will get their deserved recognition before they die. Jim has been speaking to Rotary Clubs, high school students and churches because he refuses to let these men be forgotten. To quote Jim, “as long as I have a voice to tell their story, I will”. 

So far, Jim has spoken to over 2,000 people with tremendous feedback. Students and adults alike love and are moved by his presentation. Currently, Jim is scheduled to speak in Indio, California, New Orleans, Louisiana, Harlem, New York and is working on a program with the Air Museum of Palm Springs. Mr. Parkinson speaks about the case emphasizing history, politics and law. He also emphasizes the incredible “character” of the men by telling the personal story of one of his clients, Harold Poole.

After reading Soldier Slaves, Abandoned by the White House, Courts and Congress, Tom Brokaw wrote:

“This long overdue story of great court courage and great suffering rewarded with great injustice should be required reading for every member of Congress.  It is a tale to make you at once proud and angry.”

Futurism, Big Think,