MADISON - James (Jim) Leo Purcell, age 51, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at his residence. The son of Michael and Donna (Hermanson) Purcell, Jim was born on June 18, 1971. He married the love of his life and best friend, Samantha Carrell Purcell, on Sept. 9, 2000.

Jim grew up on the East side of Madison, attending Madison East High School, and spent his working days as an electrician and most recently as an excavator for Peckham Landscaping & Excavating. A little boy at heart still at age 51, digging in the dirt brought Jim pure joy, from gardening to his landscaping work where he would enthusiastically bring home treasures he found, like glass bottles and other collectibles, to his wife. Jim was a diehard Packers fan who adored Brett Favre and Reggie White and hollering during Packers games to cheer on his favorite team-and letting them know when they made a play he wasn’t happy about! An easy-going man who loved the simple things in life, he could sit for hours tinkering with things outside, gardening or watching clips of movies on his phone. An outdoors enthusiast, Jim loved to camp in his early years and more recently could be found tending to his outdoor garden any chance he got, trying to cultivate snapdragons and forget-me-nots.

He loved taking care of his wife of nearly 23 years, Samantha, often cooking her meals and waiting on her after her long nursing shifts were done, and would never eat without her until she got home. She was his “southern belle” princess, his “sugar dumplin” and “sweet cakes,” and until the day he died, he would open her door for her, fix her plate for dinner and filled up her gas tank…every single time it needed filling before she would drive. He was Samantha’s “keeper of secrets” and they were best friends since the day they met. A lover of Pink Floyd and other 80s classic rock, Jim even learned to love country music thanks to the southern influence of the love of his life.

He adored all of his family, but especially loved watching his granddaughter, Calliemay, dance. He loved Marvel comics and movies and frequently went to watch movies with his stepson, Cody, any chance they could get. Jim loved his “mama,” Donna, his dad, Mike, and his three brothers (Steve, Dave and Jeff) and talked about them often, as well as his nieces and nephews. From the time his nieces and nephews were born, he treated them as if they were his own and loved them and played with him as only he knew how. “Uncle Cheesy” (a nickname they gave him from loving cheese on his cheese!) was a very special uncle to all of them. He loved all his furry children, too, including his dogs, Kaiser, Maggie and Mack, and his pet cats, Brett, Marley and Miley, who still cries for him today.

Jim is survived by his wife, Samantha (Sam); their stepson, Cody Kluetzman; and granddaughter, Calliemay Kluetzman; parents, Michael and Donna Purcell; step-parents, Jackie Carrell and Mike Killian; and siblings, Steve (Debbie) Purcell (Stoughton), Dave (Patti) Purcell (Sherwood), and Jeff (Andrea) Purcell (Montana). He is also survived by his nieces, Hannah, Emilee, Grace and Audrey Purcell; nephews, Nicholas, Sam, Eddie and Trevor Purcell; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Leo and Belva Purcell, Kermit and Mary Hermanson; and his uncles, Bob Purcell and Bill Kramer.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday.

My dearest Jim:

Since the first time I saw you, I knew we would be together all the days of my life. Your blue eyes, your beautiful smile and your boyish ways stole my heart and made me yours from our first “I love you.” You have been my rock, my soul, my light and my best friend since I met you.

“You’re the reason I believe in love and you’re the answer to my prayers from up above. My dreams came true because of you. From this moment, as long as I live, I will love you. I will love you, as long as I live, from this moment on.”

All my love forever,
Samantha

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” --Psalm 23, verse 4.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

608-221-5420

James Purcell

June 18, 1971 - March 30, 2023

Share photos of James