Mr. James Ray "Jiggs" Purtle, 79 of Hope, left his earthly home Sunday, January 3, 2016 and went to be with his Lord. Mr. Purtle was born November 11, 1936 in Nevada County to Harlon and Allene Tye Purtle. He grew up in Nevada County working with his Dad in the logging business. He was a faithful member of Unity Baptist Church and a United States Navy Veteran. He was a member and past president of The Hope Lion's Club, a member of the Whitfield Lodge #39, and a member of The Royal Arch Masons, he was also past Deputy District Grand Master of The Grand Lodge in Little Rock, Arkansas, and a Thirty Second Degree Mason. Mr. Purtle worked for Meyers Bakery as a truck driver for several years before going to work for Oakcrest Funeral Home. He later went to work for The Hope Police Department in July 1970, retiring after 27.5 years. He served as Chief of Police the last three years he was with the department. After retiring from the police department, he continued to work for Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home until his health forced him to retire. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Faye Rogers, and one brother, Johnny Purtle.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Delores Robinson Purtle of Hope, one son, Ricky Purtle of Hope, three daughters; Cheryl Morrison and husband, Tommy, of Prescott, Julie Elledge and Stacy Purtle, both of Hope. Nine grandchildren; Lauren Wilson, Lizabeth Wilson, Layne Wilson, John Elledge, Chris Elledge, Casey Elledge, Cole Elledge, Beth Bullinger, and Taryn Worthey, eight great-grandchildren, one brother, Thomas Purtle of Emmet, four sisters; Lura Mitchell and husband, Bud, of Hope, Lucille Beasley of Hope, Diann Henson of Boulder City, Nevada, Debbie Rosenbaum of Emmet, and one sister-in-law, Judy Purtle of Perrytown.

Visitation is 6:00-8:00pm Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home.

Funeral Service for Mr. Purtle is 2:00pm, Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Brazzel/Oakcrest Chapel with Dr. Glenn Tropp and Bro. Charles Jones officiating. Burial to follow at Bluff Springs Cemetery, in Rosston, Arkansas. Arrangements by BRAZZEL/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope, Eddie Brazzel, Director. Online condolences: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com .