IN LOVING MEMORY OF

James W.

James W. Purdy Profile Photo

Purdy

September 28, 1934 – May 14, 2025

Obituary

James William Purdy, of Lannon, WI, formerly of Port Washington, WI, a beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 14, 2025, He was 90 years old.

Jim was born in Milwaukee on September 28, 1934, the son of Harvey and Mabel (nee Ogden) Purdy. He grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Milwaukee Boys Technical High School. After high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison on a football scholarship. He then went on to play semi-pro football for the Cudahy Packers, until a knee injury cut his football career short.

On December 6, 1952, he married Nancy Amberg at Friedens Church in Port Washington. She preceded him in death in 2008.

On July 7, 2012, he was married to Jeanne Fischer at Friedens Church, Port Washington, by Pastor Brandon Lemons.

Jim worked for Freeman Chemical Corp. as a Sales and Marketing Manager for over 37 years. Jim then took a job as International Sales Manager for C.A. Lawton Co., in De Pere, WI, until his retirement.

A former member of Ozaukee Lodge #17 F&AM. He cherished the bonds formed within his community. He was once a Port Washington volunteer firefighter and an active member of Friedens Church in Port Washington, where his spirit and commitment to service inspired those around him.

One of Jim's greatest joys was spending time at his cabin in Pella, WI, on the pontoon boat, in the Embarrass River and, prior to that, at his cottage on Purdy Road in Crivitz, WI. These peaceful retreats were his source of relaxation and happiness, where he created many lasting memories with family and friends.

Jim was an avid card player and a passionate reader. He delved into U.S. and Biblical history, along with enjoying the insightful perspectives found in the Economist magazine, which he read cover to cover. His thirst for knowledge and love for engaging conversations touched everyone he met. He was always an avid fan, as well as an owner/shareholder, of the Green Bay Packers.

Jim is survived by his wife Jeanne, his three children: Linda Sue (Fred) Thies, James Michael (LuAnne) Purdy and Kevin Jon (Heather) Purdy. He is further survived by his stepchildren Laura (Brian) O'Toole and Michael (Lisa) Bednar, grandchildren, step grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his sister-in-law Sandra Purdy, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Nancy, and his three brothers: David, Donald, and Gordon Purdy.

Funeral services celebrating Jim's life will take place on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington. Visitation will take place from 4 PM – 5:30 PM with a funeral service celebrating Jim's Life at 5:30 PM. Pastor Brandon Lemons from Friedens Church will preside over the service.

Memorials are suggested to Friedens Church in Port Washington or the American Heart Association.

The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the Purdy family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James W. Purdy, please visit our flower store.

Services

Visitation

Calendar
June
5

Eernisse Funeral Home - Port Washington

1600 West Grand Avenue, Port Washington, WI 53074

4:00 - 5:30 pm

Celebration of Life

Calendar
June
5

Eernisse Funeral Home - Port Washington

1600 West Grand Avenue, Port Washington, WI 53074

Starts at 5:30 pm

James W. Purdy's Guestbook

Visits: 0

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors