- Date Of Birth: November 15, 1965
- Date Of Death: January 31, 2014
- State: West Virginia
James Edward Purnell, 65. The Purnell Family has suffered a great loss. James Edward Purnell has passed away from a massive stroke. Jim was born November 10, 1948 in Clarksburg. He was the son of the late Wilbur (Bill) and Alice Rebecca (Cunningham) Purnell. He was raised by his beloved grandmother Lulu Ellen Silvis and his grandfather by heart Edward Seblis. Jim is survived by companion Debbie Fazio and his former wife of 37 years, Linda Jenkins Purnell. Also surviving are his three beautiful daughters whom he loved very much, Stephanie Purnell and husband Ian Gentry, Samantha Kendig and husband Stephen Kendig, both residing in Georgia, and Mallory Purnell and companion Chris Stailey of New York. Jim also has three amazing grandchildren: Olivia Lee Kendig, Ethan Christopher Kendig and Harper True Gentry. He was preceded in death by two infant sons, Jamie and Christopher Hacker Purnell as well as two brothers Russell (Bud) and Willard (Ray) Purnell. Surviving are three sisters, Sandra Jenkins (Maul) of Clarksburg, Becky Myers of Good Hope and Donna Sandy of Mt. Clare. Also surviving is his brother Tom Purnell of Clarksburg. Jim joined the US Army on November 15, 1965 and was ordered to serve in the 5th Special Forces Groups. He landed in Vietnam on his 18th birthday. He received, and was proud to wear, the Green Beret. He received the BRONZE STAR MEDAL with “V” Device on August 29, 1967. Jim obtained a B.S. Degree in Business Administration. He owned and operated his own printing business in Atlanta. He was a hard worker and a devoted family man. He moved back to Clarksburg in 2008 and became actively involved in the VFW where he served as Jr. Vice Commander for Post #573. He was a member of the Harrison County Honor Guard. Once during an interview he was asked why he joined the Honor Guard, to which he replied “to remember the 58,000 killed, the 2,200 still missing in Vietnam, and the 68,000 who have committed suicide since the end of the war.” He was also asked, “What is the most important thing to you?” and he replied, “My relationship with my three daughters.”
This honorable and great man accomplished much in his lifetime and still had many plans and dreams. He loved to golf and had many golfing buddies. We say to him we love you and THANK YOU for loving us.
