Jack Purssord – TEAM JACK – Passes Away at the Age of Three

Jack Purssord, the son of former Greensboro College student-athletes John Paul Purssord and Bev Wilson Purssord passed away on Friday, February 1, 2013 at the age of three. Jack was diagnosed with a brain tumor at four months and fought a courageous battle with the help of TEAM JACK.

John Paul and Bev graduated from Greensboro College in 1999. John Paul was a member of the men’s lacrosse team, while Bev played soccer for The Pride. Jack was born on June 17, 2009.

After receiving word of Jack’s tumor, the Greensboro College men’s lacrosse program organized in support on Team Jack. The team and school came together to assist in raising funds to help Jack’s fight. To further show their support and remind them of the big picture in life, The Pride incorporated the TEAM JACK ‘Carolina Blue’ color into their uniforms.

Despite living in Maryland, the Purssord family has been highly involved in the Greensboro College men’s lacrosse program. In 2011, Jack and his family attended a Pride home game against Whittier. With Jack in the crowd, Greensboro pulled out a thrilling 12-11 victory in the final seconds. During the 2012 season, the family joined The Pride for their team dinner in Maryland prior to a match with Wesley.

“Jack Preston Purssord has been a role model everyday of his life,” said head Greensboro College men’s lacrosse coach Dan Cetrone. “The journal entries that his mom and dad posted were inspiring, whether the news was good or bad. No matter what the outcome was it seemed like Jack was going with it. He would have his straw in his mouth, chewing on it and he was going with it. He is now an angel looking down on us, with his smile and his calm way about him. I will never forget the times that I had to see and hang out with Jack. JP, Bev and the rest of TEAM JACK. Thank you for allowing us to be so involved in the life of your son. It will always be appreciated the life lessons that we learned.”

If any students, faculty or staff would like to write a note to John Paul, Bev and the Purssord Family, Coach Cetrone will be attending the funeral on Friday and will deliver the notes to the family. Please have them at the men’s lacrosse office in the Campbell Athletics Building by 5:30 p.m. on Thursday night. If no one is there, you can slide the note under the door.

Reception: Thursday Febraury 7, 2013, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
On Thursday we will have a reception to honor Jack at the funeral home. All are welcome:
Kalas Funernal Home
2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037
Tel: 410-956-4488

Memorial Service: Friday Febraury 8, 2013: 11:00am – 12:00pm
On Firday morning we will have a beautful memorial service at Woods Presbyterian Church in Serverna Park, again all are welcome.
Woods Presbyterian Church
611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park, MD 21146
Tel: 410-647-2550

Donations:
If you are looking for a way contribute in lieu of flowers please make donations to the following organizations:
Hospice of the Chesepeake – Please make checks out to Hospice of the Chesapeake. In the memo line please put Jack Purssord/Chesapeake Kids
Address: Please send checks to 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis MD, 21401

Brain Tumor Institute: Please make checks payable to Children’s National Medical Center: As above please write the following on the memo line of the check: In memory of Jack Purssord
Address: Please send checks to: Children’s Hospital Fundation, ATTN: Meredith Chipman, 801 Roeder Road, Suite 300, Silver Spring, MD 20910

You may also give memorial gifts online via CNMC’s website with Jack’s name as the tribute. CLICK HERE to visit the website.