James E. "Jim" Purcell, Sr.

James E. “Jim” Purcell, Sr., 90, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024. He was born on February 11, 1934 in Sulphur, Indiana, a son of the late Allan and Adele Purcell where he lived in Crawford County until he was four years old, after which they moved in Louisville, Kentucky. They lived there until he was twelve years old when they moved to Floyd Knobs, Indiana where he worked for Myers Nursery until graduating from New Albany High School in 1952. Afterwards, Jim worked for International Harvester of Louisville, Kentucky until he went to work for Pace and Son Electrical Contractors in Jeffersonville, Indiana. In 1953, he joined the Navy Air Force where he was stationed in Bainbridge, Maryland. After completing Airmen’s School in Norman, Oklahoma, and Aviation Electrician and Instrument School in Jacksonville, Florida, he went to Moffett Field in Montana View, California where he served with the VC-3 Squadron. He served aboard the USS Aircraft Carrier Wasp in the Pacific, and around Japan, Philippines, and Korea. He later went on to VF194 at Alameda, California. Jim spent the next year on the Aircraft Carrier Oriskiny in the Pacific. He was honorably discharged at Treasure Island after four years of Navy Air service as a First Class Petty Officer. In the reserves at Columbus, Ohio, he was an Electrical Chief P2V antisubmarine squadron until they closed the base. He then worked for the Louisville Gas and Electric Company until he married student nurse, Lauralee M. Pace, and entered Purdue University where he graduated with Distinction in 1961 with a degree in Industrial Education. He belonged to the Honorary Scholastic Fraternity IOTA Lambda Sigma. In 1968, he received a Master’s degree in Administration. After teaching at Crown Point High School and New Albany High School, and four children, he went to work for Honeywell Corporation in Sales, Service, and Management covering northern Indiana and southern Michigan. He was co-owner of P&W Systems, and Prestige Car Wash Systems Manufacturing, Installation and Service until returning to teaching with Fort Wayne Community Schools in 1975 where he retired from teaching in 1996. Finally, he worked for eight years, part-time, for Fort Wayne Vehicle Auction. He was a Deacon and member at North Christian Church since 1967 and a member of American Legion Post 47 for 43 years. Surviving family include his wife of 67 years, Lauralee; daughters, Leslie, Patricia (Bruce), and Mary (Tom); son, James, Jr. (Shelley); and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in passing by two brothers, Jack and Robert; one sister, Mary; son-in-law, Charles W. James (Mary’s late husband); and granddaughter, Sabrina. Funeral service will be 1:00 pm on Monday, May 20, 2024 at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne with military honors. Condolences and memories of Jim may be left online at www.hockemeyermillerfh.com