James Joseph Purcell

March 9, 1966 - January 24, 2022

James Joseph Purcell, Jr. was born March 9, 1966, and passed from this life on January 24, 2022. A native of Newark, New Jersey, he was the son of Ruth Gash and James J. Purcell, Sr. Jim loved his country and was very patriotic. He served in the United States Army from 1985 to 1991 as a paratrooper in the 82 Airborne Division of Fort Bragg, NC, and also in the 2nd Armored Division of Fort Hood, Texas. Jim was charismatic and enjoyed making people smile. He was gregarious and good hearted. Those whom Jim loved were well aware they were the focus of his affection. It could be said that Jim loved hard and laughed even harder. Of the Baptist faith, Jim attended seminary. He was a Freemason and a freelance journalist who enjoyed reading non-fiction and the works of playwrights. Jim liked to sing and dance and had an eclectic taste in music, but he somehow always returned to his favorite singer, Frank Sinatra. The family owned a Quaker parrot named Eddie who chose Jim to be his person and Jim doted on him. Left with many wonderful memories of a life well lived are Jim's wife, Estelita Dadios, of Franklin, NC; his daughters, Angela J. Sirko (Shane) of Odenton, Maryland, and Amanda R. Rivera (Lance) of El Mirage, Arizona; his grandchildren, Isabella, Kai, Brandon, and Eric; and his brother, David Purcell. Jim was predeceased by his parents. Moffitt Family Funeral Care is honored to serve Jim's family.