Ash Grove big mouth sets world records

Ash Grove resident Jim “Mouth” Purol can't recall a time when he bit off more than he could chew. He holds more than 40 world records, some of which are recognized by Guinness World Records, a large portion of them for fitting an unusual amount of objects in his mouth.

Purol has chased world records all of his life, putting his own body in harms way in the process. Why would he do this, you ask? According to him, he just likes a challenge.

He recently moved moved to Ash Grove to be closer to his family in the area, in doing so, he took up residence in a loft in a historic brick building on Main Street.  

Purol is not an Ash Grove native, actually beginning his record-setting-spree in Michigan. It was there where he set his first record. When he was just 17, Purol played the drums for two weeks straight, the most ever recorded, at a local venue.

Purol continued to set records, moving to Anaheim, Calif. In order to be closer to civilization and those who would take notice of his impressive feats.

40 world records and counting

Across the years, Purol has set more than 40 world records, 41 by his count. He was a moderately popular figure in his time, garnering appearances on nationally televised television programs, including the X Factor.

On that show, Purol recalled that as soon as he began his act, which involved shoving an incredible amount of hot dogs in his mouth, he was met with boos from the crowd and almost immediate disapproval from the judges. This didn’t slow him down, however.

Purol kept stuffing his cheeks, setting records for the most amount of hot dogs, 19, fit in a human mouth, as well as, lit cigarettes at 155, and more. An ability he attributes to being able to unhinge his jaw.

He also dabbled in world records that had nothing to do with his mouth, including one endeavor where he sat in each individual seat at the Rose Bowl, the biggest stadium in the country. The venture left Purol’s glutes incredibly sore and with some serious chafing. Luckily for him, the New England Patriots were practicing in the stadium at the time and the team doctor came over to help him with his injuries.

According to Purol, the doctor told him that there wasn’t a football player out there who could do what he did. Purol completed the challenge in 48 hours, sitting in every seat with only a couple of two-hour naps to sustain him.

In pursuit of another record, Purol also crawled on his hands and knees for more than 25 miles from Livonia, Mich. to the center of downtown Detroit, cutting up tires from a Volkswagen car to serve as buffers between the road and his joints.

For a cause

Beyond the challenge of doing so, Purol has another reason for his record setting sensibilities. Throughout his career, Purol has attempted to use his public spectacles to fuel change in the world, or at least give issues more publicity. His most recent endeavor will do just that.

Now 74, Purol’s latest efforts center around something he calls “bag man,” a wearable suit comprised of over 6,000 colorful plastic bags. The suit, said Purol, is meant to raise awareness of the vast amounts of trash that now float freely in the Pacific Ocean. What Purol refers to is the large island about the size of Texas composed entirely of garbage currently inhabiting the ocean.

Though there is not currently a world record for the most plastic bags transformed into a suit, Purol said that there soon will be, once he unveils his project.

Purol stated that he plans to purchase what was once the Ash Grove billiards hall and turn it into a museum of sorts. At the museum he hopes to display his previous work as well as his “bag man.”