James Purdie

James L. Purdie, 89, of Barnegat (formerly Bloomfield) passed away on August 27, 2020. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years, Agnes (nee Friel), daughter Sharon Bilyk, grandchild Matthew Wuss, parents David M. and Mary (nee Ring) and brothers John and David. He is survived by his devoted daughters, Denise Wuss and husband Robert and Michelle Marzocca and husband John; cherished grandchildren, Michael, Janette, Robert, Gregory, Alexa, Matthew, Danielle and Nicole; great grandchild Avery; sister Catherine Baker and husband Pete as well as many other loving family members and friends. James proudly served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War from 1951 to 1954. He was a dedicated husband and father and raised his family in Bloomfield before retiring to Barnegat. He held various job titles throughout his life but spent most of his career as a bus driver with De Camp Bus Lines. He had an incredibly special relationship with his sisters-in-law Mary and Margaret and his brother-in-law James, whom he cherished as his best friend. Together they made many fond memories throughout his life on family vacations, holidays and time spent together. A consummate do-gooder, he was always willing to lend a helping hand to his friends, family, and occasional stranger. Prior to GPS, all those years spent in transportation designated him as the official “direction giver” and if you were looking to locate the best gas price in the area, he was definitely your man! Each Friday, he looked forward to enjoying a beer with his fellow veterans at the American Legion Post 232. He led by example and was a perfect role model for his daughters and their families. He lived by the “Golden Rule” and was always kind and considerate. He knew the value of a dollar, the value of family and the value of a strong work ethic. He instilled in his family the ideals that created the foundation on which they then built their own lives. For this they will be eternally grateful. He will be greatly missed by many! A memorial will be planned in the months to come when friends and family can safely come together to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, crack open a cold Ballantine Ale in honor of Jim. Just know that you won’t solve the bottle cap puzzle as quickly as he would have!