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James Purser Obituary
Raleigh
James Lauchlin Purser, 83, of Raleigh, passed away peacefully at his home on May 31, 2014. He was born in Goldsboro, NC to the late Ruth Blue Purser and Roy Matheny Purser. He loved the outdoors and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Jim graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1953 and was a lifelong Tar Heel fan. He wore his Tar Heel tie to church after every Carolina victory.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division. After his Army service he began his career at the Cameron-Brown Company in Raleigh in 1955 and remained there until retiring as Senior Vice President in 1986. At his retirement he was the director of the Real Estate and Consulting Department. He was active in many professional and civic organizations. He was a member of the North Carolina Historic Preservation Foundation and the National Historical Trust, past president of the West Raleigh Rotary Club and he served on the North Carolina Baptist Hospital Board of Trustees.
As a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Raleigh, he served on many committees and was a member of the Everette Miller Friendship Sunday School Class. He will be remembered by many for his generosity and kind spirit. His dry wit will be missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Roy Purser, and his brother, Roy M. Purser, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty Owens Purser; daughters Kathryn Purser Laukhart of Raleigh, NC and Paula Purser McManimen (Steve) of Harrisburg, NC, and 6 grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Martha Blue Purser Hooks of Laurinburg, NC.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Day Mission Fund at First Baptist Church of Raleigh or to Mars Hill University.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 3 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook Rd. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4 at First Baptist Church, 99 N. Salisbury St. Interment will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.
Condolences may be sent to the family at:
www.BrownWynne.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Purser
Martha Lynn Hall
June 4, 2014
Dear Betty, Kathy and Paula, I was shocked to hear about Jimmy. My memories of being with him and Betty after Daddy died are good memories. I wish I could come to the funeral but I have been ill and am having trouble walking. You know we lost Lynn, my middle child, this past October and they haven't determined whether I have a real illness or whether it's an emotional thing. Much love to all of you, your cousin Martha Lynn
June 3, 2014
Betty, Love and our prayers are with you and your family.
Ruth and Bill Dowell
Debbie Schofield
June 3, 2014
Mr. Purser brought a smile to my face every time he came into the pharmacy because he was always smiling! He shared his glorious roses with us that continued to brighten our day. We will miss him very much as he touched our hearts!
Michael Busby
June 3, 2014
I have extremely fond memories of Jim when I worked with him at Cameron Brown. He was always considerate, kind and respectful to me. I cherish the memories and thank God for his being a part of my professional career.
June 3, 2014
Dear Betty, Kathy and Paula. We were truly saddened to read of Jim's death. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. It is never easy to lose a loved one. We have fond memories of Jim and the entire family. Sometimes it seems as if our memories are frozen in time. May you find comfort in family, friends and many wonderful memories of Jim. With love, Wayne and Jeannie
June 3, 2014
Betty and Family: Our lives have been blessed by remembering Jim as a loving husband and father to you and as a dedicated Christian, always involved in the life of his church. We would love to have witnessed his time with his grandchildren as I'm sure he relished those moments. Our love and prayers for you all from us in Penney Retirement Community, Florida. Joann and Corbin Cooper
Kerri Hurley
June 2, 2014
I have such fond memories of Mr. Purser and being in your home with Paula! Love and prayers to all of you! Kerri Stewart Hurley and family
Jim & Susan Brinkley
June 2, 2014
Betty, Kathy & Paula. I am so honored to have had Jim in my life, not only as a boss but more importantly as a mentor and friend. I finer man I have not known. I share in your loss and Susan and I look forward to visiting with you tomorrow evening.
Jim & Susan Brinkley
June 2, 2014
Jim was always such a kind and gentle man. Any Purser we ever knew was always of the same quality. Deepest sympathy to Betty and Family.
Sincerely,
David and Jeanne Smoot
Alexandria Cardona
June 2, 2014
Rest in peace Mr. Purser. You will be missed so much! So very thankful for the sweet memories of bringing flowers into the pharmacy. You're in my thoughts deeply tonight as my heart is weighing so heavy.
Doris Carpenter
June 2, 2014
Dear Betty and Family: I was saddened and shocked to learn of Jim's passing. He was such a good friend to Will and myself. Please accept my deepest sympathy and know that I will keep you in my prayers. Heaven has gained another Angel.
Doris Carpenter
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