Parker (Jack) is born in Somerville.

Jack Parker grows up in Somerville, graduates from Catholic Memorial High School, attends Boston University, and marries Jacqueline Gibson. He become an assistant coach at Boston University, then serves as head coach (1973-2013), winning 897 games, the most by any coach at one school, three NCAA championships, 11 conference championships, and 21 Beanpot titles.