James N Purcell

PURCELL, James N.

Age 84 of Kettering, OH was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at the Heartland of Centerville after a lengthy illness.  James was born on August 13, 1931 in Mount Vernon, (Rockcastle County), KY, to Cecil and Flora Mae Purcell.  James was preceded in death by his parents, brother William "Billy", and sisters Charlotte Kay and Glenna Marie.  James was drafted and served in the United States Army during the Korean War.  After his service to his country, James became a Police Officer with the Department of Defense Police Department for 33 years rising through the ranks and retiring as Chief of Police at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base.  During his career with the DOD Police Dept. he received two Medals of Valor for bravery in the performance of his duties.  James also served as a Police Officer with the Sugarcreek Township Police Department, Ohio rising through the ranks to Chief of Police.  James was an active member of Cornerstone Baptist Temple, formerly Dayton Baptist Temple, for 55 years where he taught Sunday School and sang in the choir.  James also coached girls volleyball and basketball for several years at Temple Christian School.  James was a die hard University of Kentucky basketball fan all of his life.  James is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years Johnnie, his son, James Daniel Purcell of Littleton, CO, his daughter, Regina Marie Purcell of Somerset, KY, his grandchildren, Josh (Lisa) Evers of Beavercreek, OH, Lauren Combs of Somerset, KY, Daniel (Chistina) Combs of Westerville, OH, and Aaron Daniel Purcell of Littleton, CO.  James also has four great grandchildren, Hunter James, Grant, Dakota, Kevin, and Michael.  James is also survived by two sisters, Carol Jean Riddle of Brodhead, KY, Judy (Jim) Dreaden of Centerville, IN, and a brother, Tom Purcell of Nashville, TN. James is also survived by multiple nephews and nieces.  Visitation will be held at Cornerstone Baptist Temple from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Thursday, October 1, 2015 and Funeral Services/Celebration of Life will start at 6:00 PM.  James will then be taken to Brodhead Baptist Church, Brodhead, Ky, where Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 3, 2015 with burial at Piney Grove Cemetery, Brodhead, Ky to follow with full military honors.

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