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07477 August 1, 2007
Renowned Presbyterian editor and writer Jack Purdy dies
by Jerry Van Marter
Presbyterian News Service
LOUISVILLE - The Rev. John C. Purdy, whose lengthy career as a communicator in service to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) spanned more than 30 years, died in Santa Fe, NM, July 31 after suffering a massive stroke the day before. He was 81.
For 26 years, Purdy - known to all as "Jack" - edited curriculum resources for the denomination. He was also a prolific author. In addition to writing numerous articles and study series for youth and adults, Purdy wrote Bible studies for Presbyterian Men and three books for the laity - Parables at Work, Returning God's Call and God with a Human Face - all published by Westminster John Knox Press.
From 1989 to 1995, Purdy wrote a question-and-answer column
for Presbyterian Survey (now Presbyterians Today) magazine. He was also a frequent contributor to the Presbyterian Outlook and other journals. Purdy was for many years an officer in the Presbyterian Writers Guild and edited its newsletter, The Presbyterian Writer for a number of years.
He was also one of the toughest Scrabble players in the PC(USA).
Purdy was born in Korea on October 15, 1925, of missionary parents. His father died of typhoid fever when Purdy was nine months old. Purdy's mother brought him back to the United States and raised him as a widow.
Purdy graduated from the College of Wooster and Princeton Theological Seminary. He also did graduate study at the University of Basel in Switzerland. Before becoming a writer and editor, he served for 12 years as a pastor in Wisconsin.
Purdy returned to Korea a few times, most recently in 1987 with his wife of 53 years, Mary, to attend the dedication of a church named in his father's memory. "It was one of the most wonderful weeks of our lives," Mary Purdy told the Presbyterian News Service.
A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe on August 11. Purdy's ashes will then be scattered or buried at Ghost Ranch - "a place that has always meant so much to our family," Mary Purdy said.
In addition to his wife, Purdy is survived by three children - Margaret, David and Thomas - and three grandchildren.
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