James “Jamie” Purtle

James “Jamie” Purtle, 44, of Hope, AR passed away Monday, January 26, 2026, in Hope.

He was born on April 30, 1981, in Hope to Jim and Peggy Sanders Purtle.

Jamie was a 1999 graduate of Hope High School and a member of the Hope Marching Band drum line and jazz band. He performed with the Memphis University Tiger Marching Band, and the Ouachita Tiger’s Marching Band. Jamie was a member of the Drum Corps International that won the World Championship in 2000. He pursued his love of music as a Percussion Coordinator at Berryville High School and as a Principal Percussionist at the Opera in the Ozarks. After moving back to Hope he graduated from UACCH in 2011 with an Associate in Power Plant Technology. His job took him to several locations including Sullivan, IN, Osceola, AR and Des Moines, IA. Jamie loved to trout fish, float the river, and camping. He was baptized as young boy at the First Baptist Church of Hope where he later played the drums for several years.

Jamie was preceded in death by his grandparents LJ and Mary Purtle and Albert and Alma Sanders, an uncle Darren Sanders, and two aunts Linda Herndon and Dianne Campbell.

Survivors include his parents Jim and Peggy Purtle of Hope; two sisters Tracie Grimes (Vince) and Amy Helmick (Robert) both of Prescott; three uncles Tony Purtle (Sandy) of Little Rock, Robbie Sanders (Kelly) of Lockesburg and Jerry Sanders of Alabama; his four nieces who called him “Uncle J” Cassidy, Kaylee, Chloe, and Cami; three great nephews Brennan, Weston, and Willie Dean; numerous cousins and many friends.

Chapel services are scheduled for 1:00pm Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home in Hope, Arkansas with Bro. Daniel Bramlett officiating.

Private family burial to follow.