James "Jim" PurslowLafayette - James "Jim" Charles Purslow passed away peacefully in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, May 14, 2017. It had been exactly 28 years since Jim's first major heart attack which eventually led to a heart transplant in August 2001. Jim was 79 years old.A visitation for family and friends will take place at 10:30 a.m. in the Saint John Youth House behind the Chancellery building at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist in Lafayette, LA on Saturday, May 20, 2017. Following the visitation, the recital of The Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Rosary will begin at 12 noon, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m. A graveside inurnment service will immediately follow at St. John's Cemetery. Reverend Monsignor Charles J. Mallet and the Very Reverend Chester C. Arceneaux will be the Celebrants of the Memorial Mass. Jim was born on October 20, 1937 in Gary, Indiana, the son of James and Louise Alberts Purslow. Alongside his mother, "Momma Lou", his uncle, Robert "Hammy" Alberts played an important role in raising Jim like a son. He attended Saint Benedict's Grade School and graduated from Maur Hill Prep School, Atchison, KS. He went on to attend Saint Benedict's College and graduated in 1959. While at Saint Benedict's College, he played football and baseball. He was signed and played minor league baseball with the Chicago Cubs organization. Jim began a career in teaching and coaching at St. Paul's Catholic High School, Covington, LA. He also taught and coached at St. Joseph's High School, Rayne, LA and soon after moved to Lafayette, LA where he taught and coached at Cathedral Carmel High School through the 1970's. He then began working for Dixie Office Supplies, Inc., Lafayette, LA as a Sales Manager. On August 4, 1962, Jim and Catherine "Kakki" Rose Arceneaux were united in marriage at The Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Lafayette, LA. Jim and Kakki met on a blind date at the Cathedral Carmel High School Christmas party and were married for 54 years. Kakki preceded him in death on March 20, 2017.Jim loved to keep in touch with his former college teammates and could spend countless hours sharing humorous stories about his years as a Benedictine Raven. He was inducted into the Benedictine Raven Hall of Fame in 2005 for his accomplishments in baseball and football. Jim enjoyed watching sports, camping, and playing golf. He spent nearly every morning at Dwyer's Café for coffee with friends. In his last years, he worked and volunteered as a golf course marshal at The Wetlands Golf Course, Lafayette, LA. Jim, often referred to as "Paw Paw" was especially proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Jim is survived by his two daughters, Pamela Patin and her husband, Bryan of Lafayette and Janet Cobb and her husband, Billy of New Orleans; grandchildren, Brittney Cobb, Courtney Lee, and Nicholas Lee; great granddaughters, Ashlie and Aria LeBlanc. He was also survived by Mike Purslow and his wife, Penny of Atchison, KS and sister, Patty Flynn of St. Joseph, MO; half-brother, Pat Purslow of Naples, FL and half-sister, Norma Purslow of Naples, FL; brother-in-law, John Kimbel "Kim" Arceneaux of Lafayette, LA, and sister-in-law, Margaret "Peggy" Arceneaux Blanchard of Lafayette, LA. He was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine "Kakki" Rose Arceneaux ; parents, James Charles Purslow and Louise Alberts Purslow; uncle, Robert "Hammy" Alberts, brother in law, John Flynn.The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Jim's transplant cardiologist, Dr. Hector Ventura and his team at Ochsner Medical Center for their compassion and care over the last 16 years. In addition, a special thank you to Dr. Troy Scroggins, Radiation Oncologist, and his nurse, Latrice Mashi at Ochsner Radiation Oncology for their excellent care before, during, and after Jim's radiation for skin cancer. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish to make a memorial contribution, checks can be made to Benedictine College, Attention: Office of Advancement, 1020 North 2nd Street, Atchison, KS 66002 or contribute online at mybenedictinegiving.org. Jim would also be honored by a memorial contribution to Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA), 3545 North I-10 Service Road, Suite #300, Metairie, LA 70002 or online at www.lopa.org.Share condolences and words of comfort with the family of James "Jim" Charles Purslow at www.lafuneralservices.com. James "Jim" Charles Purslow and his family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Louisiana Funeral Services and Crematory of Broussard (337) 330-8006.