Peacefully passed away surrounded by the love of his family at the Ottawa General Hospital on Monday January 13, 2025, at the age of 90 years.
James Grenville Purdon, born on September 12, 1934, in Powassan, Ontario, was the youngest of nine children to Kathleen and John Arthur Purdon. In 1959, Jim married Helena Whelan of Kirkland Lake, and the couple settled in North Bay, where they raised their family. Jim’s career took the family to Pembroke when he began working with Atomic Energy in Chalk River. Later, he and Helena returned to North Bay to enjoy their retirement years. Jim cherished time with his brothers and sisters, reminiscing about growing up on the farm. He loved years of annual winter vacations in Florida with lifelong friends Don and Joane Dionne. He was a patient teacher/coach of swimming, boating, skiing, hockey, and card games.
One of his greatest joys was the family cottage which became a cherished gathering place for countless and ever-expanding family celebrations, including his recent 90th birthday. Jim will be fondly remembered for his devotion to Helena, kind-hearted nature and eternal optimism. Jim is predeceased by wife Helena and son David, brothers and sisters-in-law Cleve and Pat Purdon, Donald and Myrt Purdon, Gerald and Lois Purdon, Desmond and Mary Jane Purdon, Richard and Margaret Purdon, Brian and Monique Purdon and dear brothers and sisters-in-law: Howard and Joan Whelan, Dave and Yvonne Whelan, Morris and Colleen Whelan, Jack and Kay Whelan, Paul Whelan and Mike Whelan; Don Devost and Pat Rainville.
He is survived by sisters Maureen Devost (Langley B.C); Anne Rainville of North Bay, sisters-in-law Margaret Whelan and Sandy Whelan of Kirkland Lake. Jim is survived by his son Jamie (Robin Green) of Toronto and daughter Erin (Richard Moignard) of Ottawa. He will be missed by 7 adoring grandchildren Taylor (Melvin Goolab) Conor (Katie Charal) Syd and Izzy all of Toronto and Beau Simmons (Sarina Annis) of Kitchener, Jack Moignard (Iona Loren) and Margaux Moignard of Ottawa. Jim also has 3 beautiful great grandchildren: Frieda Pearl and Beau Bear Simmons and Eve Trinity Purdon. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews, his former daughter-in-law Maureen Taylor, and his retirement home happy hour club, especially Dr. Laurie Laliberté.
The family will be receiving visitors at McGuinty Funeral Home Ltd. (North Bay, ON) on Sunday January 19th, 2025, between the hours of 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption (North Bay) on Monday January 20, 2025, at 11:00 am. Interment will occur at St. Mary’s Cemetery at a later date.