James Henry "Jim" Purvis

James "Jim" Henry Purvis passed away Sunday, May 29, 2016, at the age of 84. He was a loving husband and a proud father of four children and grandfather of eight. Jim valued his Texas heritage which influenced the way he lived his life. Jim was born in Coleman, Texas on January 16, 1932 to Ella J. Dudley Purvis and Tommie Lee Purvis. He attended high school in San Angelo, Texas and began his career in the oil business as a young man. He worked as a runner and a scout for Standard Oil and as a roughneck in the Susan Peak Field. At 21 years of age, he started buying leases in central Texas where he developed a great relationship with Mr. and Mrs. John Hardy Morgan. Jim would often go to the Morgans for a good meal and insight in locating the mineral owners. When their daughter Margaret returned from college, Jim met her and she became his bride on November 6, 1960. Jim developed and sold his first prospect soon after he started buying leases, and with that successful well he was hooked on the oil business. He performed well as a contract landman and brokered leases and minerals for Sun, Sunray, Continental, and many other companies until he moved to Midland in 1968 to start his own exploration and production company. Since becoming an operator, he has drilled and participated in wells in Texas, New Mexico, and Mississippi. There are many stories which provide insight into his impeccable character and illustrate his unyielding commitment to his profession. He was well-respected and forged strong relationships with the geologists and engineers with whom he worked. Jim served his country in the National Guard. He was a 51-year member of the American Association of Petroleum Landmen. He was also a member of SIPES, the Permian Basin Landman's Association, and the Permian Basin Petroleum Association. He was President of the Abilene Landmen's Association, served on the Board of The Museum of the Southwest in Midland, and was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church. Those who knew Jim will never forget his ability to linger over a good meal, his love of country music, and short stories that were always anything BUT short. He walked proudly in his boots and cowboy hat wearing a bolo tie and his shirt with TWO pockets. His family knows that in his absence, the banana bowl will never empty, his favorite chair will never be full, and his last painting will never be finished. He was a truly gifted artist. His paintings were exemplary and were characterized by his love of Texas and vacations with his family. Jim is survived by Margaret, his devoted wife for nearly 56 years; his son, James Ruben "J." and his wife Mitzi Purvis of Midland; his daughters and their husbands, Susannah and Briggs Donaldson of Midland, Wendy and Jim Plucinski of North Richland Hills, and Sara and Jim Sullivan of Keller; and eight grandchildren, Hudson, Jack, Catherine, Will and Luke Purvis, Susannah Plucinski, and Ryan and Kaitlyn Sullivan. He is also survived by his brother, Howard and wife Betty Purvis of Marshall. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Friday, June 3, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 800 W. Texas Avenue, Midland, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to First Presbyterian Church, Midland Memorial Foundation, 400 Rosalind Redfern Grover Parkway, Midland, Texas 79701, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.