James A. Purdy, age 78 of Celina, Ohio passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec.17, 2019 at his residence in Celina, Ohio.

He was born on Nov. 17, 1941 in Celina, Ohio, to the late Leroy and Doris (Rhoades) Purdy. He is survived by his wife Barbara Jean (Smalley) Purdy, who lives in Celina.

Also surviving are his three children Jody Ritter and Brett Micheal of Tampa, Fl., Tim and Laurie Purdy of Orlando, Fl., Jay and Christine Purdy of Minster, seven grandchildren Ryan & Abbey Ritter, Danielle Purdy and Triston Wakely, Christopher Purdy, Cory Ritter, Freddie and Kayla Purdy, Paige Purdy and Alex Wendel and Ray Purdy. Two brothers and sister-in-law John and Gail Purdy of Palm Springs, CA., Jerry Purdy of Ft. Wayne, IN., two sisters and brother-in-law Mary Irish of Cincinnati and Sue and Tom Jacobs of Celina.

James was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law and father-in-law John and Jean (Aller) Smalley, son Daniel Purdy, sister-in-law Mary Kay Purdy, and his brother-in-law Keith Irish.

He graduated from Celina High School and retired from Stamco (Monarch Machine Company) after 44 years of dedicated service.

James raised his children in New Bremen and was very active in the community and with the New Bremen Athletic Boosters. When he retired, he moved to Celina and enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was an avid Golfer and enjoyed playing golf with his friends at the Northmoor Golf Course

He was a member of the Celina American Legion Post #210, the Celina Moose Lodge #1473, the Celina Eagles Aerie #1291.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019 at the Lehman-Dzendzel Funeral Home in Celina, with Rev. Mick Whistler officiating. Burial will follow in the North Grove Cemetery in Celina.

Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019 and an hour before services at the funeral home on Saturday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Daniel Purdy Memorial Fund.

Condolences may be shared on-line at LehmanDzendzelFH.com.