James Aubrey Durkin

James was born on July 26, 1944, in Springfield, the son of Philip J. and Valada V. (Perry) Durkin. He married Doris J. O’Neil on May 3, 2008, in Springfield.

He graduated from Griffin High School (formerly known as Cathedral Boys High School). James proudly served in the United States Navy from 1962-1966. He then went on to work for the Sheet Metal Workers Local 218S, and then as a mechanical inspector for the City of Springfield Building and Zoning. James enjoyed golfing, hunting, and being a part of the burial detail for the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County for 14 years. He was also on the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2019.

James was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Genevieve Followell, Phyllis Tinsley, and Patricia Groth.

He is survived by his wife, Doris; sons, Robert Durkin of Springfield, Philip (Jen) Durkin of Auburn, and Marty (Kim) Allen of Lexington, KY; daughters, Jenni (Jeff) Wright of Taylorville, April (Mike) Casey of Rochester, Andrea (Matt) Strawn of Rochester, and Julie (Tim) Patterson of Pawnee; sister, Helen (Todd) Renfrow; 20 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.

Family will receive guests from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m., on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Real Life Church, 2701 Hermitage Road, Springfield. Ceremony will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Clint Cook officiating.

Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors by Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the Department of Defense.