November 25th, 1931 - October 15th, 2023
The Purcell Family are saddened with the passing of James (Jim) Murray Purcell, October 15 in his 92nd year. Pre-deceased by his wife Marilyn Joan (Olley) and his travel companion Jean Bell. Jim was a very proud father to Murray Purcell and wife Roselle, and Heather Jelley and husband Peter. He cherished his grandchildren Mathew, Kevin (Erica), Paul (Anna), Hayley (Patrick) and Alex and his beloved great granddaughter Lillian.
Jim grew up in Pembroke spending summers at the family cottage in Deep River. We cherished his stories of friendships and shenanigans growing up, and his love of his cottage was always evident as he invited family and friends to come and experience this piece of paradise.
In 1955 Jim graduated from Forestry at the University of New Brunswick. He kept in touch with many of his classmates over the years and was always game to attend reunions in NB and even hosted some of these class reunions at his beloved cottage.
Jim married Marilyn in 1957 and they lived in Niagara Falls while he articled and worked for Ontario Hydro, land surveying hydro corridors through northern Ontario. In 1961, Jim partnered with Charles W. Lloyd setting up a private professional land surveying company (Lloyd & Purcell Ltd.) in Newmarket Ontario. This is where he raised his family. In 1986 Mr. Lloyd retired and Jim and Murray continued the family business until Jims retirement in 1996.
Jim loved to travel. His adventurous attitude and outgoing personality made him the ideal travel companion first with Marilyn and later Jean, whether it was numerous trips overseas or on road through Canada and the US.
Jim lived well surrounding himself with friends and family. He adored fly fishing and was a long time member of The Franklin Club. He loved exploring the Ottawa River with his grandchildren whether that was by boat, trekking up Mount Martin with their hand made walking sticks, hiring a beaver plane to fly them up the river, or going to the local dairy for ice cream.
Jim prided himself in his research of the Purcell Irish heritage and was also a great fan of Celtic music. He loved to sing and heart strings were pulled when he sang an emotional Danny Boy to anyone who would listen.
God has received a great man into his arms. He will be so missed by his family and friends.
Thank you to Southlake Regional Health Centre for their support at this difficult time, and in particular Dr. Swarthy Sudhakar for her constant care and attention while dad was in hospital, and Dr. Taremi and Dr. Kavanaugh for their expertise dealing with Jim’s cancer.
A private family service will be held at Roadhouse and Rose Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Southlake Regional Health Centre Cancer Centre.