Brother James Pursley, Jr., 73, was a lifelong resident of Madison County. He was the son of James Pursley, Sr. and Louella McGhee Pursley. He transitioned from this life to live with the Lord on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. Preceding him in death were his parents; son, Maurice James Pursley; brothers, George Pursley and Kenneth Pursley; and sister, Eula Mae Christian.
Graveside celebration of life services, with COVID-19 restrictions, will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 28, on the lawn of Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church, located at 4168 NW Lovett Rd., in Greenville. Public viewing and visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 27, in the chapel of J.P. Moore Mortuary, 379 W. Base St., in Madison, (850) 973-6677.
Known by his family and friends as “June Bug,” Brother James acquired his education from Madison County Training School. He later had to get a job to help raise his younger siblings. For several years, he rode his bicycle to make local medicine deliveries to patients for Comer’s Drug Store. He later sought employment as a custodian at Madison Primary School. Afterwards, he gained employment with the construction crews to build Madison County High School (where his children and grandchildren later graduated) and the Winn-Dixie shopping center.
Brother Pursley accepted Christ and was baptized by faith and had a relationship with Him. He was a member of Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church, of Greenville. He served as the president of the usher board.
Brother Pursley enjoyed the rewards of his pastime activities. He loved to fish and get involved with his favorite syndicated television shows: Sanford and Son, The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful. Most of all, he loved to travel and had special memories of the family trips to Orlando, Tampa and Boston, Mass.
Forever embracing his life, legacy and witness are his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Anna Mary Tillman Pursley; daughters, Anna Marie (Rev. Delvin) Boatman and Barbara (Stephen) Bell, all of Madison, Fla; brothers, Marco (Debbie) Pursley of Tampa, and Robert Pursley, of Orlando; sisters: Patricia (Terry) Johnson and Beulah Cooper, all of Madison, FL, and Jerry (Clyde) Miller, of Greenville; grandchildren: Jessica Boatman, Brandon Pursley, Brittany Boatman, and Briana Boatman, all of Boston, Mass.; great grandchildren: Nazareth Boatman- Craddock, Nehemiah Boatman-Craddock and Jose’ Franco; sister-in-law; Ellen Roberts, of Savannah; brothers-in-law: Willie A. Tillman and Thomas James (Dzondria) Tillman, all of Madison; a host of nieces, nephews, and many other loving relatives and sorrowful friends.
Final care and compassionate services are being provided to the Pursley Family, with love, care and uncompromising dignity, by J.P. Moore Mortuary & Cremation Services, Madison, Fla., (850) 973-6677; Jamarien "J.P." Moore, Mortician.