A private interment for James E. "Bud" Puryear, 81, a 56-year Washoe Valley resident, will be Friday, followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m. Saturday at Clayton Middle School.
Mr. Puryear died Jan. 29, 2006, at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center.
He was born Oct. 25, 1924, in old Ruth, to James Puryear and Marie Williams.
He married Jeanette Weber on June 6, 1949, in Ely.
He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II.
He had a master's degree in school administration from the University of Nevada, Reno.
He was a retired educator, and served as the principal of both Clayton Middle School and Jessie Beck Elementary School.
He coached and taught at Central Junior High School.
He was the director of the Sunday portion of the Reno Junior Ski Program, a founding member of the Reno Water Ski Club and the Boca Water Ski Club, and an active member of the Sacramento Water Ski Club. He played basketball, participated in track and field, and played minor league baseball.
He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, water-skiing and skiing.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Richard, Calvin and Herbert.
Among his survivors are his wife; sons Jim and Jerry; daughter, Judy Puryear Wolf; sisters Virginia Oas and Margaret Spencer; brothers Bob and John; six grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews; and extended-family members.
Memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders, 2225 Main St. Ste No. 110, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or the American Cancer Society, P.O.. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73103.
Walton's Chapel of the Valley is in charge of arrangements.