Jim was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and obtained a B.S. from Defiance College, and Masters degree from St. Francis. He taught and coached at Huntington Catholic High School and also served as the Athletic Director. He taught in the Fort Wayne Community Schools and retired in 1980. He was a Director and Commissioner of the Wildcat Baseball Leagues. He was in Real Estate Sales for 16 years with Bob Buescher Homes. Jim served in the U.S. Army for two years during the Korean War, 1952-1954.
Surviving are sons, James Jr. (Meg) Purviance, Dwight (Karen) Wagner, Douglas (Pam) Wagner; daughters-in-law, Shelley Wagner and Pam Wagner; 8 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Elizabeth Purviance and his parents, Mercedes A. and Samuel J. Purviance, DDS; as well as sons, Dennis and David Wagner.
A funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Monday, July 27, 2020 at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 East Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825. Visitation will be held two hours prior. Burial will take place in Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne, IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home or the Alzheimer's Association. For online condolences, please visit www.mccmombandsons.com.
