A miracle in the making, Jim Purves born October 26th, 1968 lead an abundant life filled with hockey arenas, golf courses, family, friends and Budweiser beer. He was loved and beloved by many.
His love of beer and gambling started at the tender age of 15 on the links of Sarnia Golf and Curling Club. The majestic fairways began calling to Jim, not to be the best, just be better than your opponent. It was here that Jim established the bond of lifelong friendships. Through these friendships they all shared in countless rounds of golf, story swapping and learning the tough breaks of gambling with a bookie. These strong bonds resulted in the trip of a lifetime in 2019 on a private jet across North America.
After his high school education, he pursued a college career in Port Huron Michigan on a» full ride golf scholarship.» After quickly realizing he needed more, he graced the renowned halls of the University of Windsor. It was with great honour that Jim found himself in the exclusive residence of Mac Hall. From flooding the halls for epic slip and slide competitions, learning about the lifecycles of cockroaches, 24 hour marathon euchre tournaments and the late night trips to downtown Detroit; It was here where a more social education happened than an academic one. His favourite classroom being the Bridge Tavern, his friends were many and the stories legendary.
Jim led a colourful working career early on in life. From owning a janitorial services company, to selling office supplies in Southern Ontario and even a stint in the financial services industry. These experiences all lead to his career with Stryker Medical. Jim lived by the life philosophy of I work to live, not live to work.
It was a breezy early morning in 1986 when a dark haired, mullet wearing, pimple faced boy started dating the love of his life Suzanne. Against all odds, they remained together through high school classes, University lessons and the beginning of one another’s career. Long distances and sometimes different countries could not pull the two apart. It was a relationship that was envied by many and experienced by few. On September 11th, 1999, the two joined hands in marriage, ready to take on the world as one but setting the stage for a family based on love.
After living in Sarnia, Windsor and London he found his way back home in Windsor. It was here that the family began making their roots. Finding friendships through social interactions and of course his kid’s sports. The friendships became so much more than he would have expected. The friendships that were made, turned into another set of family members to him. The endless love and support that was provided over the years was cherished every day. Knowing that this was home, Jim joined Beach Grove Golf and Country Club where he and his family could spend their summers golfing, swimming, jet skiing, socializing and developing even more friends. Home is so much more than brick and mortar, it’s the community you are part of that creates the fabric to your life story.
In 2001, the love story changed and a new chapter began. Carter was the first born, instantly loved by Jim and Suzanne. Jim’s favourite golf partner, his «dude», and sport watching buddy. Laurens birth followed in 2004, where Jim’s eyes were opened. He had his little girl, one to protect and love. This little girl followed in one of dad’s passions, playing high level hockey and golf. He was her mentor and coach in many aspects of life. 2006 completed their family story with the birth of Avery. Jim’s family was complete with another little girl. He loved her spunk, her passion for hockey and her zest for life. He taught his children the meaning of integrity, the importance of honesty and how to rise in the face of adversity.
Jims love and commitment to family will be his legacy. He loved his parents Bob and Carolyn and looked up to his big brother Steve in so many aspects of life. Suzanne’s family was never viewed as a secondary, they were an extension of his own. Suzanne’s parents John and Mary welcomed him in with open arms and her brothers Dave, Paul and Mark instantly took him in as one of their own. It was the incorporation of different beliefs, values and views that shaped Jim into the family man he became. One that was full of life, passion, dedication and boundless love.
Jim’s battle with cancer started in March 2012 and the prognosis was bleak to say the least. Jim had one mission from that point on, to bet on all the odds just to have more time with his family. Joe Louis, Mohammed Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard could not come close to the strength Jim found. He never wallowed in self-pity, he remained positive, he set goals and no one was to stand in his way. Through an amazing medical team in Windsor, across Ontario and even in the United States, they remained steadfast to provide him more time. Through the love of his family, the support of friends and the ongoing medical treatments, Jim defied all the odds and gave us 8.5 more years with him.
Donations to the Windsor Es County Cancer Centre Foundation would be appreciated by the family for all the love and support they provided Jim and his family.
In honour of Jim and his lifetime of special memories his family is requesting friends to prepare a favourite story, memory or quote that will be placed in a keepsake book for his children and cherished for years to come.
Jim was never a formal man and we want this reflected when we join in a celebration of life at Families First Funeral Home. Please come dressed in golf shirts or button downs and casual pants. Let’s celebrate Jim the way he would have wanted us to.
On Tuesday, reservations and personal face coverings are required to attend visitation from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation resumes on Wednesday, from 2pm to 3:30 pm followed by A Celebration of Life for the man we all loved at 4:00pm at Families First, 1065 Lauzon , East Windsor 519-969-5841. You can reserve your time for visitation or seat for Jim’s Celebration of life at FamiliesFirst.ca (RSVP) or by calling directly.
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2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Jim Purves 2020..
Décès pour la Ville:Windsor, Province: Ontario