James O'Dell Durham Sr.'s Obituary
James O'Dell Durham Sr., 93, of Charlotte, passed away Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 17, 2023 at Westminster Gardens Cemetery, Greensboro.
James "Jim" Durham was born in Greensboro, NC and he graduated from Grimsley High School. His college career was interrupted by the call of duty from the US Army during the Korean War where he was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he married "the love of his life" and shared 68 years together. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Jane Murray of Charlotte, NC, along with 3 of their 4 children; Jimmy (Phyllis) Durham of Maui, HI; John (Lynn) Durham of Greensboro, NC; and Janet (David) Cauthen of Huntersville, NC; Grandchildren Dr. Michael Batres of Charleston, SC; Erica Batres Witek (Ryan) of San Jose, California; Micajah Durham of Greensboro, NC. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rufus Lucien Durham and Anne Leak Gray; brothers, George & Bill Durham of Greensboro and his son, Joel Mark Durham of Charlotte, NC; and son-in-law, Marco Batres of Charlotte, NC.
Jim worked for many years in the Food Industry for McCormick Spice, Nabisco, as a District Sales Manager for Armour Dial, and finally Action Food Sales of Charlotte, NC before retiring in 1995. He enjoyed his retirement with family by gardening, traveling, oil painting, playing golf & bingo! He was an active member of his political party, and support several charitable causes and organizations, such as, the Wounded Warrior Project, St. Judes Children's Hospital, and the American Legion. His sense of humor and big, bold laugh will be greatly missed and always remembered.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a previously mentioned charity, or to the American Cancer Society, or to Hospice of Charlotte. His family would like to thank and is forever grateful for the compassion, dedication, and care he received from Novant Hospital Huntersville.
James Funeral Home is assisting the family, online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
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