James Martin Purcell

James ‘Jim’ Purcell, 99, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks, ND. As Jim would say, he went to the “Glorious Heavenly Blue”.

James ‘Jim’ Purcell was born on May 12, 1926, in Williams County near Williston, North Dakota, the son of Edward Sr. and Bertha (Sebe) Purcell. He later lived west of Gilby, ND until 1954. He served in the US Army from 1950 through 1952. He trained at Fort Riley, Kansas. He attended Culinary School for 13 weeks after Basic Training. Then he went back to the 3584th training company as a first cook and baker and a mess sergeant until sent to Korea. He was a full-time night baker in Korea. Jim received the Soldier of the Week award while serving under the 19th Engineer Group in Korea and also received Certificate of Accomplishment from the 19th Engineer Group.

Jim was in the service at the same time as Elvin Smestad. Elvin farmed with his dad close to Orr, ND, which was only a few miles from where Jim farmed with his brother. When they were on a military furlough, Elvin mentioned to Jim, you should come to a dance and meet my sister, Lillian ‘Lillie’. Jim asked Lillie to dance, and he said the first dance went really well. Jim then went back to Korea. Jim didn’t get his mail on the ship when going back to Korea, so when he got to Korea he had a lot of letters from Lillie. She had sent him a letter every day and they continued to write to each other every day. As it turned out, that dance was meant to be! They were married on October 11, 1953, together forever until Lillie passed away in 2016.

After being discharged from the service, he attended the Hanson Auto Electric and Diesel School in Fargo, ND. He opened up his own business “Precision Auto Electric and Diesel Service” in May of 1956. He was the first one to specialize in Diesel Fuel Injection in Grand Forks County and for a number of years received diesel units from 3 states. After a number of years, he joined Midland Diesel of Fargo as manager of the Grand Forks branch, and worked together for 21 years, along with his son, Grant, for a number of years before he retired and also Jim’s daughter Rebecca helped in the office.

Then, after semi-retiring, he kept on working helping his son, Brian, for a number of years at Baron’s Upholstery. Then he worked with his son, Robin, at Memorial Park Cemetery for 12 years. He worked for 10 years on the farm with his brother Laurence before going into the service. He worked a total of 68 years, not counting the 7 years as a very young boy taking care of livestock.

Jim and Lillie took their young family on summer vacation road trips and weekends camping at lakes around the Bemidji area. They later enjoyed spending time at Twin Lakes in Minnesota. Jim really enjoyed Sioux hockey games. He loved listening to his phonograph with old time western singers like Jim Reeves, Montana Slim (especially the yodeling songs), Eddie Arnold, and Gene Autry. Jim was a very good writer and loved to write what he called “Honorable Mentions” and Eulogies for good friends and family.

James is survived by his children, Robin (Stacey), Brian (Tami), Rebecca (Wayne) Trosen, Grant (DeAnn), and Patrick. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Rylan (Natalie), Jennifer, Kristen (Michael) DiMaggio, Ashton; Jared (Candy), Rhea, Logan; Tavis (Tency) Trosen, Kyle (Tarah) Trosen, Tanner (Shanna) Trosen; Jessica (John) Ryan, Lucas (Shaylyn); Reagan, Porter. Great grandchildren are Giada, Jeter, Olivia, Jade; Peyton, Avery; Olin, Ophelia; Meyer, Nora, Jimmy, Esther, Jack; Callum, Othelia; Finnegan, Sanny; Edison, Ruth.

James was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lillian, brothers Edward, Laurence, and Eugene, sisters Ruth, Elsie, Mildred, Esther, Eleanor, and Beatrice.

A private family service will be held.