Pawnee — James "Jim" H. Purdon II, 55, of Pawnee, Illinois, passed away Friday, May 29, 2026, in Honolulu, Hawaii, while on vacation with his family. Jim was born May 18, 1971, in Springfield, the son of James H. and Judith G. Gunn Purdon. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jim graduated from Pawnee High School in 1989. He attended Lincoln Land Community College, where he earned an associate degree in aviation management, and later graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a bachelor's degree in aviation management. He earned a master's degree in criminal justice from Liberty University in 2017.

Jim was a veteran of the Illinois Air National Guard's 183rd Air Tactical Fighter Group, where he served as a vehicle operations supervisor and attained the rank of master sergeant. He retired after 25 years of service. During his military career, he completed two deployments, serving in Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom.

Jim began his career with the Illinois Department of Corrections in 1997, serving as a correctional officer and TACT unit member. Since 2010, he had been employed as a corrections food supervisor. He was also the owner and operator of Purdon Construction. Jim was a member of the Pawnee United Methodist Church and American Legion Post 648, and he was a life member of VFW Post 10302. His hobbies included flying, traveling and sports.

Jim is survived by three daughters, Nichole L. Purdon of Sparta, America L. (Amy) Purdon and Jasmine L. Purdon, both of Pawnee; two granddaughters, Jenesis and Trulee; one sister, Janene Purdon-Menke, of Springfield; and two nieces and one nephew.

Jim's family will meet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Pawnee United Methodist Church in Pawnee. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2026, at the church, with Rev. Randy Sharp officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, with military honors conducted by the Department of Defense and the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pawnee Food Pantry, P.O. Box 304, Pawnee, IL 62558.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is honored to serve the family of Jim Purdon II. Online condolences may be shared at www.curryfh.com.