John "Jack" T. Purcell, of Flagstaff, died peacefully in hospice care on December 6. The cause was esophageal cancer, according to his sister, Victoria Purcell-Gates.

A graduate of the University of Arizona, Jack was a long-time resident of Flagstaff. He worked for over 25 years as a behavioral therapist, much of that time on the Navajo Nation with adolescents. Following his retirement due to disability, he participated in the Flagstaff Bahai'i community and became an accomplished photographer.

Jack is survived by his sister, Victoria, and his brother William Purcell, both of northern California, as well as three nieces and one nephew: Laura Poster Gates (and her children, Luca and Kai) of Bristol, England, Michael Gates of Boulder, CO, Elizabeth Purcell of Danville, CA, and Carolyn Purcell of New York, NY.

A Bahai'i graveside service for Jack will be held at Flagstaff Citizens Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Monday December 14.
Arrangements by Norvel Owens Mortuary