Burial: will follow in the Forsyth Cemetery with full military honors.
James Henry Purkett, age 87, of Forsyth passed away on Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 at the Northern Montana Care Center in Havre, MT.
James was born August 27, 1922 in Wolf Point, MT, the 7th of 12 children of Paul and Catherine Purkett.James attended school in Glasgow, MT. He married Opal Eayrs and two sons were born from this union; James Duane and Wayne Darwin. James (Jim as he liked to be called) was a jack of all trades with many skills. He worked at Fort Peck Reservoir, drove a taxi cab, was a motorcycle policeman, inventor and entrepreneur, but he found his career in the railroad.He entered into the Army in 1944 and was honorably discharged in 1946, serving his time in India. He was a proud WWII veteran, a longtime active member of the VFW, having served in various positions within the organization and member of the American Legion. Jim lived the majority of his years in Forsyth. After retiring from the railroad Jim was able to focus more on his passions which was working on old cars and ceramics. He also enjoyed fishing and traveling to visit friends and family. In recent years he enjoyed going to the monthly fish fry's in Miles City with his dear friend "Moe".
He is noted for the antique autos he worked on, restored and owned; his various inventions including the Montana puzzles and decanters; and his full collection of Montana license plates. Jim had a sharp wit and always had a joke or story to tell. He enjoyed using jokes to make people laugh and bring a smile to their faces and would always have a joke or two stashed in his wallet for just such an occasion. Due to illness he moved to Havre to live with his youngest sister Patty Purkett until his death. Jim was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by both sons Duane and Darwin; brothers Paul, Robert, Jerome and Willard; sisters Veronica Stredwick, Angeline (Buck) Hauk and baby-sister Mary Jane.
He leaves behind his grandsons, Chris Purkett, his fianc BreeAnn Beals and great grand-daughter Addyson Purkett of Forsyth; Josh Purkett, his wife Amber and great-grandson Joshua of San Antonio, Texas; David Schafer of San Antonio, TX and Dan Schafer of San Antonio, TX; Sisters Evelyn Hanel of Oregon; Madrine (Ray) Beauchamp of Bemidji, Minnesota and Patty Purkett of Havre, MT; Brother Ambrose (Sylvia) Purkett of Havre, MT; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; Bob "Moe" Mosansky who was a very close friend, along with many other friends and family.
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