James ‘Jim’ Spencer Purchase
August 28, 2021
September 27, 1949 – August 28, 2021
Passed peacefully at Victoria Hospital in London, free of pain and suffering. ‘Jim’ is survived by his loving wife, Peggy (Watt), and cherished daughters, Christie and Katie. Eldest son of the late Gordon and Margaret ‘Peg’ Purchase (Christie). He is also survived by his brothers, Bill (Susan), John (Kim); brother in-law, Jim Watt (Christine); nephews, Brendan (Camila), Ben, and Jacob; nieces, Lori (Cam), Caroline, and Bailey (late Kyle); great-nephew, Landon; and great-nieces, Summer and Audrey.
Jim was a longtime employee at The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), formerly known as the Workmen’s Compensation Board, until his retirement. As a manager, Jim was well respected by his staff, and would support them to ensure their success. He then worked as a paralegal for some years until he fully embraced the retirement life. He played many sports throughout his life – high school football, hockey, baseball and golf.
Jim was an avid reader and loved doing the daily crosswords. He was natural when it came to general knowledge and trivia, and he was known for his very witty sense of humour. Jim was a very well-liked person, wherever he went.
One of Jim’s passions, on which he spent many tedious hours, was researching and compiling data on his family tree. It is quite extensive, and will be greatly appreciated by those surviving, and future family members.
Jim absolutely adored his ‘three girls’ Peggy, Christie, and Kate. They are a very tight, close-knit family that do everything from camping, weekend trips, shopping, going to movies and shows, and just hanging out together. They live all the ups and downs of life, together. Jim’s passing has left a gigantic hole in their hearts, and world. Jim will be sadly missed by all his family, friends, and his buddy ‘Peanut.’
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Kidney Care Centre and LHSC for the care and compassion shown to Jim and his family.
Visitation will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Friday, September 3, 2021 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Registration is required to attend.
To register for the visitation, please click here: >Registration page for the visitation of Jim Purchase on Friday, September 3, 2021 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Donations in memory of Jim to LHSC, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Diabetes Canada, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Leave a tribute for James ‘Jim’ Spencer Purchase
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(Donated to The Kidney Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to Diabetes Canada)
(Donated to Stedman Hospice Brantford)
(Donated to The Kidney Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to The Kidney Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to The Kidney Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to Diabetes Canada)
A kind man...great family man....my thoughts and condolence are with his 3 girls...Peggy...Christie & Kate. Cherish your memories💙
I agree with all the comments from my former colleagues at the WCB/WSIB. Jim was a vital part of the office in so many ways. The "good old days" in our small office were made "lighter" thanks to Jim's humor & fun, especially at Christmas. Peggy, hang on to those happier times. He has now joined a gang of the 'good old boys.'
My friend and colleague of 50 plus years from Harbour St in Toronto to London via Bloor St. I will miss you my friend. Your wit, your knowledge, your loyalty and our retirement coffee get together's. Rest In Peace Jim. My sincere condolences Peggy and family
Our sympathy to the whole Purchase Family. We were together long ago at Echo Place United Church. We knew the boys as teenagers. Wonderful memories! I am sure that Jim's passing will leave a huge hole in the family and we are sorry for your loss. May all the life experiences you have shared make your time forward easier. Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Sincerely and affectionately Bev & Brian Osborn
Peggy & Family, Bill & John & Families Marilyn & I were very sad to hear about Jim. We have many very fond memories of our family get togethers when we were all young kids. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Carol & Marilyn
So sorry to hear of your loss Peggy. My sincere condolences to you, Christie and Kaye.
The Purch was what I called him. A fine gentleman with a great sense of humour,and a passion for puns. It was a pleasure to have known and worked with Jim. My condolences Peg and family.
I (Gloria) knew Jim since he was 3 days old! We shared the nursery at Women's College Hospital in Toronto. We had our little private joke about that. Who knew that we would end up working together at WCB/WSIB in both Toronto and then London for 20 odd years and then continue working together at M C Warren and OSG for several years after leaving the Board. Someone so special can never be forgotten. It was an honor to have known and worked with such a great person. Peggy, Christie and Katie no words can express our sorrow or ease the pain of your loss. Our deepest heartfelt condolences, Mike and Gloria
Purchase Family Thoughts and prayers to your family at this very sad time. Jim was a kind man. We so enjoyed meeting him and loved his stories. He will continue the family tree and all the new people he will meet to tell his stories. Take good care, love and light Dorothy Purchase and Susan Purchase-Berry
Peggy and family. Jim was without a doubt, one of kindest men I have met. He was a mentor, Gandalf personified and a gentleman. His humour and what appeared to be all encompasing knowledge helped make a challenging and stressful job, livable. He will remembered and missed terribly by your family and those who considered him a friend.
You didn't have to work in claims back in the 80's or 90's in the London Regional Office to know who Jim Purchase was. Everyone knew he was the Claims Meister. He was a cornerstone of the London office. In later years I worked directly with Jim when he became a manager on the support side of things, dealing with Imaging, I.D. &Reg., Records etc. His door was always open to staff. He was down-to-earth, had a sharp wit, and great sense of humour. His "witty ditties" and limericks were legendary and combined with his deadpan delivery were an awesome combination. He had no equal. They became an annual event everyone looked forward to. No matter how frustrating or challenging issues had been throughout the year, Jim would regale us with a solo or an entourage performance and poke fun at those issues. Everyone would be cracking up with smiles and laughter... Fond memories and a fond farewell far too soon. Sincere condolences to you Peggy, and your girls. Karen Norley
I am sorry for your loss. It has been years since I have seen Jim and that is when we were all teenagers and Jim was friends (and probably still is) with Bruce Gullen. I was friends with Bruce's little sister, Ruth Ann, and we loved it when Jim was in the house teasing us and answering our questions. You know they were silly questions but he was good to us. I expect he has been good to you as well.
Peggy, Christie and Kate I am sending you a big hug for your tremendous loss. Jim was such a wonderful person and there are so many happy memories of him.
My thoughts and prayers go to you Peggy, Christie and Kate. Jim was one of a kind. I remember his stories and quick wit. Wonderful memories for you to hold onto.
Jim was the claims administrator when I was hired at the WCB. I always enjoyed working with Jim. Loved his quick wit and he made Christmas at work special with his clever lyrics put to popular tunes. Very fond memories of working with Jim. My deepest condolences to Peggy, Christie and Kate. An Angel has gone home.
I have many fond memories of Jim from our childhood in Ingersoll. It was really good to connect with him a few years ago and get caught up. He truly was a kind and caring person and thought the world of you Peggy, Christie and Kate. Take Care Jayne Moore
Jim was my first team coordinator at the WCB. He was knowledgeable, humorous and caring to all his staff. I am sure he left Peggy, Christie and Kate many special memories to cherish...may they bless you for many years to come. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Peggy, Christie and Kate, Our hearts are heavy with sadness with the loss of dear Jim. We are blessed to have had the honour and privilege of spending time with him and sharing many laughs at the dinner table with the kids. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Love Sue, Andrew and Matthew
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Jim was the kindest manager there was, he took genuine interest in his staff and always brought out the best in us. He had a great sense of humour, and wicked gift of writing poems! We all have fond memories of office Christmases, where Jim lead the London office "choir", altering the song lyrics to described members of the London office! It was a privilege to have known and worked with Jim; the world was a better place with Jim in it. My condolences to Peggy, Christie and Kate.
~ Cynthia Chan