Jimmy Purselley

Jimmy was a Renaissance man; he lived a vibrant life as a man with immense knowledge and passions well beyond the work he did with horses and cattle. Jimmy loved animals. He could make sick cows well, he could tame a wild horse, he could predict, with precision, when foals and calves were coming. He could also roof a house, build stalls, grow a garden, manage alfalfa and coastal pastures, find the perfect fishing hole, and more. He loved to work the land and care for his stock. He was a real cowboy, and he was happiest when he was outside on the ranch, caring for the things he held most important.

Jimmy was born in Fort Worth, Texas, to Barney Huston Purselley and Maxine Campbell Purselley. Jimmy and his older brother, Jan Purselley, grew up in Hanley, Texas, while also spending time in east Texas working a dairy alongside their father before returning to the south Fort Worth area.

Jimmy married Joyce Dixie Pierce on Friday, April 13, 1979. She was the love of his life, the light of his world, and probably the thing he was most proud to call his. The two worked together to build their beautiful Burleson ranch in 1996. It remains the family gathering place, the place Jimmy loved the most, and the place where he took his final breath.

Jimmy was a devout follower of Jesus Christ, witnessing to believers and non-believers alike. He loved Gospel and country music and he loved to sing. Jimmy also found peace in the water, with a fishing pole in his hand. He loved to laugh and tell big stories about his life. He loved having his family around. He loved to check on his cattle and care for his ranch, even right up to the very last days of life. Jimmy’s infectious laugh and mischievous grin will be missed by all who knew him, but he is celebrated in eternal life with Christ. A life free of pain, ailment, illness, and suffering.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Dixie Purselley; his children, Jeannie Purselley Driscoll and spouse Tex Driscoll, Craig Morris and spouse Fancy Morris, Jerry Purselley and spouse Lisa Purselley, and Jimmy Don Purselley and spouse Shawndi Purselley; 19 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Jan Purselley and spouse Joan Purselley. Jimmy is preceded in death by his father, Barney Huston Purselley, and his mother, Maxine Campbell Purselley.

To honor Jimmy’s life, a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, at Laurel Land Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Crowley, Texas. A viewing will begin at 1:00 p.m., the funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m., and a graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m.

To quote John Wayne, Jimmy’s favorite cowboy, “A good man leaves his mark on the land; a great man leaves it on his family.” Jimmy was a great man.