In Memoriam: James Irving Purnell, 1940-2019

James Irving "Jim" Purnell passed away unexpectedly at his home in Manassas, VA on Tuesday, March 19, 2019. He was predeceased by his wife, Bonnie Walker Purnell, in January 2018.

Jim was the son of Irving Frazier and Mary Clark Purnell, now deceased and brother of Beth Purnell Swink, deceased. Jim was born in Washington, DC on February 1, 1940 and is survived by his brothers, Thomas (Peggy) of Woodbridge, VA, Michael (Christa) of Brunswick, GA, John (Anne) of Sinking Spring, PA, and his sister, Marianne Purnell Kernan of Pinehurst, NC. Always there for the youngsters, Jim was a favored uncle to 10 nieces and nephews and their children.

Jim grew up in Occoquan, VA which he always remembered with great fondness and tales of childhood shenanigans with his siblings and friends. He graduated from Garfield High School and immediately went to work for the Virginia Army National Guard at the Lorton Missile Site. After several years with the VANG, Jim began work at the Federal Bureau of Engraving and Printing as an apprentice printer. He retired in 1995 as a Plate Printer Foreman. During this time, Jim also proudly served his country in the Naval Air Reserve and retired as a Command Master Chief. Among the many organizations Jim belonged to was the US Naval Fleet Reserve. His associations with those in these organizations were always important to Jim and he would meet with “the guys” as often as possible.

Retirement was not a time for growing old for Jim – for he then had time to pursue his love of aviation, which was always a passion of his. Jim owned and flew his own aircraft and could be found many days at a hangar at Quantico Marine Corps Base, Fredericksburg Airport, Manassas Airport and the Warrenton-Fauquier Airport. Loving aircraft as he did, Jim became an FAA Certified Aircraft Airframe & Powerplant mechanic and Owner/President of Purnell Aircraft Maintenance LLC where he found great pleasure in working on others' aircraft and being surrounded by the many friends that he had made at the airfields.

Jim also had a very kind and gentle nature – he loved children, animals, and his family. Jim Purnell never knew a stranger!! He is most characterized by his generosity, willingness, and kindness always to others.

There will be visitation from 9:30 to11:00 a.m., April 27, 2019, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 12975 Purcell Rd, Manassas, VA 20112. The funeral service will begin immediately thereafter, followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall. A private family interment of his cremains will occur at a later date/time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Linden Lodge Foundation, P.O. Box 4153, Pinehurst, NC 28374 – an organization near and dear to Jim's heart.

Information provided by Tom Purnell