97 Jimmy Won't Start

I have a 97 Jimmy that has treated me quite well and has always had very few problems. When leaving work today I found it with a full battery charge but still unable to start. All the lights and gages powered up correctly and when I turned the key a clicking noise came from underneath the hood. From my digging through this forum I can see this is most likely the relays firing as they are supposed to at start up but the fact they function correctly but the engine won't turn over means I need to replace the starter. This seems to be the fairly straightforward solution but are there any other possibilities I should consider before spending $180 on a new starter?

First step is to check for 12 volts to starter solenoid small purple wire.
If not transmission in park jumper it with a 12 volt fused jumper and see if starter kicks in.
Post back what it does.
MT

I have two questions:

1.) Do you mean to apply the jumper to the starter solenoid (purple wire) directly?

2.) I do not have a 12 volt fused jumper. Is this something readily available at a parts store?

Yes to purple wire 0r small start terminal on starter.
Fuse jumper is safer.
You can take a fuse and put some wires and ends an aligator clips on it.
Most mechanics us what is called a remote starter buttom.
Some even jump with a screw driver at started solenoid.
But I have saw some burn the end off of the screw driver to.
But be sure it is in park and brake on when you do it.
Some people get run over if they try it in gear.
Good Luck.
MT