James William Purcell

PURCELL, JAMES (JIM) The death of James (Jim) Purcell occurred at Saint John Regional Hospital on October 25, 2010, after a long illness with Parkinson's.

Born April 29, 1935 at Chipman Memorial Hospital, he was the son of the late Maynard and Winnie (Shaw) Purcell. Jim attended schools in Milltown and St. Stephen and graduated in 1953 from St. Stephen High School. The same year he joined the staff at the Bank of Nova Scotia and in 1956 was married to Sandra McLaughlin at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

Jim had a colourful and distinguished career at Ganong Bros. beginning in 1959 concluding 36 years later. He began as Cost Clerk and advanced steadily through management ranks, beginning as Plant Manager in 1966, Vice President of Production in 1976 and retired as Executive Vice President in 1995 and remained on the Board of Directors until 2003. At Ganong's , Jim made it his mission to increase the popularity of Valentine chocolates across the country. For his efforts, the industry dubbed him the "Valentine King of Canada". He was named Chairman of the Canadian Manufacturer's Association- NB. One of Jim's greatest business accomplishments was bringing the construction of the new plant facility in "on budget and on time", in June of 1990. As successful as his business career, his involvement and leadership in the community was equally as exemplary. Jim was a Board Member of NB Power, Chairman of Region 2 Hospital Corporation, Charlotte County Hospital Board, Charlotte County Hospital Foundation and Chairman of the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame. For over 30 years he served as Chairman and Board Member of the St. Croix Vocational Centre, as well as Board Chairman of the Maria F. Ganong Home (Lonicera Hall).

He dedicated his time and effort to the creation of the Holy Rosary Parish Centre.

Jim was and avid sportsman and began a prestigious 22 year career as a basketball official and was awarded the Basketball New Brunswick Officials Award in 1986. He was an outstanding first baseman for many St Stephen-St Croix Championship teams. Most recently, Jim served as Chairman of the Maine- New Brunswick Trade Corridor Committee and was the driving force behind the construction of the third International Bridge, being honoured for his leadership at the official opening by Member of Parliament, Greg Thompson in the presence of The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sandra, his sons, David of Tampa, Florida and Richard (Lynn) of St. Stephen, NB, one granddaughter, Andrea McCray (Brad) and two great granddaughters, Isabelle and Hillary McCray of Upper Mills, NB, two brothers, Maynard (Jeanne) Purcell and Gerald (Patricia) Purcell, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Father Paul Doucet, Father Peter Stephen and Father Patrick Coyne at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, St. Stephen, NB on Friday, October 29, 2010.

Interment followed at Milltown Catholic Cemetery.