James Edward Purvis

Jim was born in Birmingham on September 12, 1948, to the late Charles W. Purvis and Kathryn McArdle Purvis. He was the youngest of four children. After graduating from Phillips High School, he attended Samford University, where he received his B.S. in management in 1970. Upon graduation, he went to work for O'Neal Steel in Birmingham. On March 6, 1970, he married Suzanne "Suzy" Eblen of Birmingham. They would go on to have three sons together and remained married until Suzy's death in 2025. He later earned his Juris Doctor from The Birmingham School of Law in 1980.

In April of 1977, he was hired by Mrs. Blanchard, owner of A.C. Legg, to work alongside his father. He would remain there for the next 49 years. He made carrying on the A.C. Legg "Leggacy" his life's work. He often said he had the pleasure of working with his father, siblings, nephew, and sons along his journey. He took over running the company after his father's death in 1988, and orchestrated the company's move out of Birmingham to Calera in 2001. In 2022, he was recognized with the Alex Dudchock Community Leadership Award by the Shelby County Chamber and Shelby County Mayor's Association. Jim had recently stepped away as CEO of A.C. Legg, Inc., in March 2026, and was named Chairman Emeritus prior to his death.

Jim enjoyed many things, including gardening, his two cats, tacky Hawaiian shirts, SERTOMA, Westerns, and traveling. He was a food critic at heart and a hot dog connoisseur. Most importantly, he loved people. Especially those he worked with. Just like his father, he considered them family. He loved you all.

Jim is survived by his three sons: James Jr. "Jamie" (Rebecca), Jeffrey (Lora), and Jonathan (Apollo & Athena); his sister, Charlene Dickerson; his brothers-in-law, Doug Eblen (Susan) and Randy Eblen (Debbie); his sisters-in-law, Barbara Purvis and Laura Forbus (Danny); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Suzy; his parents, Charles and Kathryn; his siblings, Sandra Purvis and Charles "Bud" Purvis; his brother-in-law, Donald "Skip" Eblen; and his sister-in-law, Patricia Lang.

The initial celebration of life will take place on Monday, June 1, at Johns Ridout's Family Chapel at Elmwood in Birmingham, Alabama. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., with a service to follow at 2 p.m. A second celebration of Jim is being planned for September 2026 at A.C. Legg in Calera, where the family will honor his legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make contributions to: Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue, Shelby Humane Society, or your local four-legged friend charity.