James Edward "Jim" Purvis passed away in the company of his loving wife Joyce at the Convalescent Care Center in Lompoc, California on August 10, 2013. He had wrestled with chronic health issues, blindness, and hearing loss since 2011. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 16, 2013 at the Elks Lodge in Lompoc at 1:00 PM.

Jim was born in Glenwood, Georgia on February 27, 1930. He graduated from Glenwood High School in 1948. He then enlisted in the US Air Force and retired in 1979 as a Chief Master Sergeant. He held assignments in many different states, in addition to serving overseas in Germany. He was especially proud of the time he served in Thule, Greenland. Jim was employed in civil service at Vandenberg Air Force Base from 1980 until 1993, working on the space shuttle program. In his retirement he was active at the Lompoc Elks Lodge and the Lompoc Camping Club where he served as wagon master. He enjoyed traveling on cruises, fishing, boating, and visiting relatives across the country.

Jim married Jessalyn "Pug" Bruno in 1952. They were married 26 years until her death in 1979. He is survived by their children—son James Michael and daughter-in-law Bonnie, son Patrick, son Thomas, daughter Toni Partin, sister Virginia Lang, sister Sylvia Mitchell and brother Kelly Purvis. His surviving grandchildren are Wendi Valdez, Christopher Purvis, James Partin, Adam Partin, and Joseph Partin, along with numerous great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Allison and Minnie Lee McDaniel Purvis, first wife Jessalyn "Pug" Purvis, his daughter Tracy Purvis, and grandson Johnny Partin.

Jim married Joyce Green on February 16, 1980. Jim is survived by his wife Joyce, his stepdaughter Cynthia Green Theodore and her husband John, and stepdaughter Carol Green Houchens and her husband Robert. They have three grandchildren—Kyle Houchens, Kimberly Theodore Sidey, and Beverly Theodore.

Memorials can be sent to the Elks Lodge "Major Projects" in Lompoc or a charity of your choice. Visit website at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. The family would like to thank the staff, doctors and nurses at Convalescent Care Center for their help and professionalism.