James Edward Purdy

December 4, 1931 - February 25, 2017 Resident of Scotts Valley Big Jim Purdy was a brilliant, larger than life man who passed away at age 85. He leaves behind the five children he raised: his 3 daughters, Jackie Maurer, Jill Litz, and Joanne Guzman and his late wife's two siblings, Janet Mortimer and Carolyn Cicotte, along with 8 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and his faithful companion and loving dog Wolfie. Born in Michigan and beginning his career at General Motors, Jim lived an adventurous life. He settled down in Santa Cruz after retirement, but continued to work odd jobs-- most famously as the greeter "Evil Jim" at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's haunted house, scaring patrons as he called out "Fresh Meat!" Jim served in the army during the Korean War, was Lieutenant Governor of the Kiwanis Club for California, Nevada, and Hawaii and held executive positions with Shakey's International and computer manufacturing companies. Jim is reunited with the love of his life, his late wife Lois Joyce Purdy, who passed away April 27, 2015. Memorial services will be held Friday, March 3rd, 4pm at Pacific Gardens Chapel.