James "Jim" Purvis, 78, of Martinsburg, passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at his home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday September 5, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Derek Hooper officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery at a later date.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday September 4, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Jim was born on May 20, 1946, in Mexico. He was the son of Lee and Alleta (Vomund) Purvis. On October 26, 1968, he married Catherine Mae Calhoon. Catherine preceded him in death on October 1, 2008.
For many years Jim drove a propane truck for Maupin Gas Company. He made many friends from his territory of customers. He was also very active in his community. He served as Mayor of Martinsburg for several years. He was also the longtime timekeeper for Community R-6 and the St. Joseph Crusaders basketball games. He had also coached and umpired for Khoury League games.
Jim was a veteran and had served his country in the US Navy. He was a member of the American Legion Post in Martinsburg. He was also a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and previously was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by two daughters, Michelle "Shelly" Carroz (Cary), Montgomery City, and Suzette "Susie" Purvis, of Columbia; two brothers, Lee Purvis Jr., of Martinsburg, and Ray Purvis (Donna), of Jefferson City; one brother-in-law, Larry Calhoon (Barbara), of Centralia; three sisters-in-law, Tammy Purvis, of Martinsburg, Corless Vomund, of Martinsburg, and Ann Goosey, of Centralia; four grandchildren, Nicole Carroz, Christopher Carroz (fiancée Alysen), Brittney Tucker (Zay), and Brie Tucker (fiancée Morgan); six great grandchildren, Hudson and Hadley, and Dante, Amayah, Exzaria, and Zayvion; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his beloved dog Brutus.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Elmer and Mildred Calhoon; one brother, Charles Purvis; and one sister-in-law, Thelma Purvis.