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James Douglas Purcell

1954 - 2020

James Douglas Purcell obituary, 1954-2020, Virginia Beach, VA

BORN

1954

DIED

2020

James Purcell Obituary

April 7, 1954 - July 3, 2020

James (Jimmy) Douglas Purcell, 66, of Virginia Beach, VA, passed away on July 3rd, 2020, with his family by his side. Born at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, he was the son of the late John S. and Louise E. Purcell.

Jimmy was a graduate of Christopher Newport University with a B.S. in Business Administration, along with two IT associate degrees from TCC. He was a Programmer Analyst and a gifted musician, who played in various local bands for 45 years.

Survived to honor his memories are his wife of 43 years, Janet Purcell; sons, James and Steven Purcell; grandchildren, Gavin and Addison Purcell; brother, John Purcell (Ohio); niece, Carmen Erb (Ohio); and other relatives.

Private family arrangements have been made for a future memorial. Rosewood-Kellum, in Virginia Beach, is assisting the family and condolences can be expressed through Dignity Memorial online obituaries. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Aug. 9, 2020.

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5 Entries

Alice Waskey

August 17, 2020

To Jimmy's family, my husband, Curtis, and I send our condolences. Jimmy and brother Johnny performed their music at Bayside High School's dances.....great memories.

David Spencer

August 13, 2020

Many memories of being in the band with Jimmy. Rest in peace my friend.

Stephanie Britt Little

August 10, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Barbara and Bob Jennings

August 9, 2020

Jimmy was a rare talent, a critical part of the local music scene for many years and a beloved family member. Many of my youthful memories include Jimmy and his music and it makes me smile to think about how his warm personality came through on stage just like it did in person. May he rest in peace, and may peace be with you, Janet, JD and Steven. Love and hugs.

Jim Kuykendall

August 9, 2020

Very sorry for your loss. Jimmy was a great musician. I had the honor of playing music with him for many years. He will be missed.

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