James Ludwic Purvis III

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 11:00am in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10:00 until 11:00am.

Jim was born in Meridian, MS on October 27, 1949, to the late James Ludwic Purvis, Jr. and Ann Jackson Purvis. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Michael Jackson Purvis and his daughter, Shannon Nichole Cousins.

Jim is survived by his wife, Teresa McDaniel Purvis; children, James Purvis, IV (Annette), Jeremiah Purvis (Beth), Mary LeBlanc (Dustin), and Shelley Turnage (Aaron); grandchildren, Landon Purvis, Alyssa Trahan, Daylee Trahan, Myra Purvis, Jaden LeBlanc, Lacey LeBlanc, Elin LeBlanc, and Elijah Turnage; and brother, Edward Purvis (Merry).

Jim had a lifelong love of community. As a youth, he obtained the level of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts of America. As an adult, he was very involved with Kairos Prison Ministry and was instrumental in the development of Short Journey Prison Ministry for death row inmates. Jim also was elected and served as a Councilman for the Town of Archer Lodge.

Jim served in the US Navy as a Cryptologic Collection Technician Petty Officer 3rd Class. After being discharged from the Navy, he was employed in the automotive parts industry from where he retired. He then became a Reverend Deacon in the Freewill Episcopal Church. Jim was an avid Parrot Head who loved traveling, hiking, and running marathons.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim's name may be given to Short Journey Prison Ministry (checks made payable to Short Journey), c/o Teresa Purvis, 113B Rufus Lane, Clayton, N.C., 27527, or to the Archer Lodge Community Center.