James "Jimmy" Edward Purdy

James "Jimmy" Edward Purdy, age 73, of Flint, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, peacefully surrounded by the love of his family. A celebration of life will be held at Blackstone's Smokehouse, 531 S. Saginaw St., Flint on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to the charity of your choice.

Jim was born on January 14, 1953, in Flint, to Ned and Joan (Stephenson) Purdy. He attended Flint Northwestern High School graduating class of 1971 where he was a star baseball pitcher and also named "the muscular right hander" by a local sportswriter. He then worked at Fisher Body as a tool and die maker. He grew up in Hanley Village with his brothers and sister surrounded by many other families from his school. He fell in love with his high school sweetheart Jody Sass and married on April 6, 1973, celebrating 53 years together. They raised 3 beautiful daughters, Tara, Casey and Hayley.

Jimmy loved all sports. He coached Swartz Creek girls AAU basketball and was one of 2 coaches who started the Swartz Creek girls Lacrosse program. After the second year, they won the state final. He was known for his mild kind demeanor and easy-going spirit. He adored his daughters and grandson Bexton more than anything in the world. Jimmy loved to build. Give him a hammer, nails and wood and he would create something. He built the family home 35 years ago.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife, Jody; two daughters, Tara and her husband, Eric Busch, and Hayley Purdy and her fiancé, Zach Smithingell; grandson, Bexton James; sister, Peggy and her husband, David Donaldson; brothers, Richard Purdy and his wife, Debbie, and David Purdy and his wife, Mary; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his daughter, Casey which was the saddest heartbreak of his life.

A special thanks from Jimmy to his lifelong friend, Fred Wright, who called or texted every day to see how he was doing in the past few months. Visits were frequent. For this, he was very grateful! And lastly, a heartfelt thanks for the Gentiva Hospice team who assisted in his comfort with compassion and respect. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com