James (Jimmy) T. Pursell, Sr. has made immeasurable contributions to business in the state of Alabama. He operates Pursell Farms, a luxury 3,500-acre outdoors-oriented resort located in Sylacauga. Pursell Farms hosts thousands of guests a year, all drawn to the property’s premier golf course, Orvis shooting grounds, and highly-appointed accommodations.
Upon completing his military service in 1956, Pursell was invited by his father-in-law to join the family fertilizer business, Parker Fertilizer Company. When Howard Parker died in 1964, Pursell became company president.
The Pursell family’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of Pursell Farms, which was once the site of the Old Hamilton Plantation. In 2003, the Pursell family opened Farmlinks™, the world’s first research and demonstration 18-hole golf course, on their farm.
After Pursell Technologies, Inc. was sold in 2006, Pursell Farms evolved into a premier regional family farm resort available for corporate retreats, leisure getaways, and weddings. Their corporate and family mission is to give, grow and honor. They strive to provide their guests with a superior service experience, thereby honoring the family name in all they do.
In 1976, Pursell and his wife, Chris, committed their life and company to Christ. The company was to operate according to Christian principles. The Pursells say their lives have not been the same since. Pursell’s initiative and Christian principles have earned him many leadership positions and awards. He helped establish the Fellowship of Companies for Christ International and has served on the Alabama Board of Directors for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
He served on and chaired the State of Alabama Ethics Commission for five years. For his contribution to the economy and welfare of the state, Pursell was presented the 1997 Alabama Farm-City Free Enterprise Award. He has also been active in a wide variety of philanthropic organizations and events including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
He has a proven interest in promoting business ethics education through his support of an endowed chair in ethics and the establishment of the Center for Organizational Cultures both in the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business at Auburn University, his alma mater. He also helped found the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program for Auburn student-athletes. Pursell was awarded the Auburn University Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.
Pursell grew up in Talladega, Alabama, and graduated from Auburn University in 1952 with a degree in business. After graduation, he served four years in the U.S. Air Force as a bombardier navigator during the Korean conflict. Jim and his deceased wife Chris have three children, Taylor, Chris (Fleming), and David, ten grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Pursell lives at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga.
