John William Pursell

John William Pursell, 79, of Grants Pass, Oregon, passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021 at his home. 

John Pursell is remembered as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, uncle, brother, elder, businessman and friend. He was born in Pasadena, California to Bill and Edwina Pursell. He married his bride, Sally, in April of 1965. He moved to Buffalo, New York in 1969 to work for the Food and Drug Administration. He returned to the Rogue Valley with his family in 1979. Together he and Sally raised four children and operated North Valley Farm and Home. John also served southern Oregon as a Realtor and president of Rogue Valley Habitat for Humanity, and for many years he was a pillar in the Rogue Valley Christadelphian ecclesia, where he was known by all as “Uncle John.” John was an avid Bible student. As his hearing decreased, he spent more time reading and studying. He kept up with his readings until the very end.

John had a desire to continue learning new things. He found that the more things change, the more they stay the same. John enjoyed working with his hands and spent many happy hours in the workshop he built. He continued creating Adirondack chair sets and wooden toys up until the end. He also enjoyed umpiring (for many years) for the local Babe Ruth baseball. He is survived by his wife Sally, sons Steve, William (Sarah) and David (Kris), and daughter Susanna (Randy). He also leaves behind two sisters and a brother, several nieces and nephews, 8 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.