Purkis, James Richard (November 20, 1939 – May 30, 2024)

Jim left us suddenly on Thursday, May 30 after having dinner with the love of his life, Nancy.

Predeceased by his parents Eleanor and Joe Purkis, his brother John, and son-in-law Michael, Jim leaves behind his beloved family, his extraordinary life partner and wife of 60 years, Nancy, daughter Julie, son Michael, daughter-in-law Lauren, and his most adored grandchildren and buddies Turner, Joey, Mason, Finn, Ben, Kate and Tommy, to whom he was the very best Hiya. He will be greatly missed by his Purkis, Turner, Smith, Minhinnick, and Doan families, his loyal friends, and of course, his four-legged pal, Rufus.

Despite the fact that his high school guidance counsellor told him he should be a truck driver, he and his brother bought Caulfeild, Burns, and Gibson from their father and his business partners. They worked hard and smart and grew the business to a multimillion-dollar organization.  Starting with years of selling socks, pyjamas and bathrobes and later engaging with international companies and taking on Canadian distribution for popular brands like Gant, Head Sportswear, Izod, Cutter and Buck, and Joe Boxer. He was a strong leader, growing the business steadily while always ensuring a supportive and empathetic workplace for his team. Jim's retirement is the stuff of legends as his departure from the menswear world may have caused the blackout of 2003!

While he was extremely accomplished in business, Jim's greatest successes were as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. At home with his family, he shared his love and wisdom, supporting Nancy and the kids in their endeavors and ensuring they had a safe, comfortable life until his last day. In fact, he and Nancy brought their last box of belongings to their new home on the day he left us, ensuring Nancy was settled, safe and looked after.

His friendships crossed generations and borders. He had very special relationships with his nieces and nephews, and he especially loved spending time, speaking to or texting with his grandchildren of whom he was exceptionally proud. He even joined the Facebook community so that he could keep up with it all…and make the occasional inappropriate comment on a post or two.

Joining Beaver Valley Ski Club was, as he often said, the "best thing he did for his family". Some would argue that the cottage on Cranberry Island, Kahshe Lake was better. Sharing sailing races and late-night cruises with his cousins on the lake are memories we will always cherish. Our lake friends will remember him sitting on the deck receiving them for a visit, a laugh or two, and probably some unsolicited advice! He loved taking care of the cottage, keeping the gardens in order, woodworking, and carving and painting incredible paddles for each of his grandchildren. His creativity truly knew no bounds. We were moved to see photos of several cottage flags at half-mast these past days.

He was lucky to have found good friends in the PWC Club and at the Camel Club in Santa Rosa Beach, with whom he shared many a breakfast and gathering. He loved to play golf and enjoyed rounds with friends at the Mississaugua, Oakville Golf Club, Rocky Crest and his club in Santa Rosa. He was a prodigious fisherman and enjoyed many a trip or river expedition catching Salmon with his son, casting a fly with his buddies and especially watching as his grandchildren developed their own love of the sport. While we mostly called him Jim, he was also fondly known as Flyfisherman Jimmy.

Jim has been described many ways these past few days: a true legend, a grumpy old fart, a tough nut, a survivor, a lover of life, and a truly great character. All of those things are true but the one that resonates the most is that he had "the roar of a lion and the heart of a marshmallow". He left an impression on everyone he met. More than one person has reminded us of how he was like a second father to them, how he came to their rescue in one way or another, or just how much they loved him. He had a huge heart and while it was the thing that failed him in the end, it was that which made him the remarkable man he was.

While we are devastated that he has left us, we are grateful that he lived such a fulfilling life full of adventure, family, friendship, and love.

Please join us to celebrate a life well lived on Friday, June 14 from 3 to 6 PM at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club, 5407 Regional Road 25, Milton, ON.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Kerr Street Mission in Jim's honour. His legacy of helping others must continue.