Rev. James ‘Jim’ Purnell

Jim was born Dec. 23, 1950, in Parsons, a son of the late Dewey Leroy Purnell and Edith Geraldine Heckler. On Oct. 2, 1993, in Elkins, he was married to the former Anita Jane Bodkin, who survives. They had celebrated 31 years of marriage.

Also left to cherish Jim’s memory is his sister, Tammy Nelson and husband, Randy, of Parsons; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; his Church of God family; and several friends.

Preceding Jim in death besides his parents was his brother, John Purnell.

Jim was a graduate of Parsons High School with the class of 1969 after which he had attended Potomac State College and Fairmont State College. He had worked for Community Action, for the West Virginia Department of Highways as a bridge inspector, and as a teacher and counselor for Alternative Learning. He worked as a teacher in both Randolph and Tucker Counties, and he had served as a basketball coach in the school system.

Jim enjoyed watching the history channel and football. He was an avid reader, especially his Bible.

On Dec. 3, 2012, Jim began pastoring the Whitmer Church of God where he was serving at the time of his passing.

A graveside service will be held at Parsons City Cemetery in Parsons on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 10 a.m. Rev. Todd Rhodes will officiate, and interment will follow.

The Hostetler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements for Rev. James “Jim” Purnell.

Send online condolences to the family at www.hostetlerfuneralhome.com.