JAMES PURPURA

Born May 2, 1965, in Wheeling, he was the son of the late Steven “Steve” and Marguerite “Marge” Purpura.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Steve; and infant brother Donald Purpura.

JR is survived by his wife, Marsha Miller-Purpura; son, Joseph “Joey” Purpura and wife Chelsey; sister, Mary Louis Maxwell and husband Gary “Max”; sister-in-law, Lori Purpura; and many nieces and nephews.

A U.S. Army Reserve veteran, JR worked as a nuclear medicine technologist in local hospitals and later as an environmental resources specialist for the Department of Environmental Protection.

Known for his quick wit, love of practical jokes, and generous spirit, JR enjoyed home improvement projects, cooking, and helping others. He was known as a family man, devoted father and friend.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate JR’s life on Tuesday, April 15, at Grisell Funeral Home & Crematory, 1 Ridgecrest Rd., Bethlehem, WV, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, April 16, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral, 1300 Eoff St., Wheeling.