James Edgar Durbin

James Edgar Durbin, 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by his beloved son Dan and his wonderful caregivers at his Vero Beach, Florida home on September 9, 2020. James was born on December 21, 1925 in Celina, Ohio to Leo and Mary Durbin. Jim, as he liked to be called, was raised in Rushville, Indiana where he attended elementary and high school. His parents owned the local inn, the Durbin Hotel, which inspired him to eventually dedicate his life to the hospitality industry. After attending Purdue University, he enlisted in the Army Air Force and served in the South Pacific during World War II. Upon returning home he attended the University of Notre Dame before marrying Mary Jo Holmes in 1947 and began his life-long career in the hotel business. Jim quickly rose from a bellman and front desk clerk to become the Executive Vice President of Del-Webb before joining the Marriott corporation in 1964 as the Executive Vice President of the Hotel Division; promoted to President in 1970. Mr. J.W. Marriott noted in a news article about his longtime friend "His leadership and experience have helped us to grown rapidly while retaining a reputation of quality which will serve us well for years to come." Jim helped grow Marriott from four hotels to an internationally recognized brand which today has approximately 7,500 properties worldwide. Jim retired from Marriott in 1984 and started a hotel management company, the Durbin Companies, with his son David. Jim continued to advise friends and colleagues until just a few short years before his passing. Jim was a family man through and through. He and Mary Jo had nine children together: Daniel, David (Lori), Elizabeth (Jeff), John (Christian) Thomas (Sheryl), Theresa (James); three have preceded him in death, Jamie, Cathy and Sherry. After the passing of Mary Jo in 1984 he found new love with Jean Covert and they were married 27 years before her passing. Jim Durbin's mission in life was to help as many people as possible. No matter how good or bad the times were for him, he always asked "What can I do for you?" Jim consistently contributed to many charitable organizations and brought joy wherever he was. Jim was always quick with a joke, funny story, or even a silly song. Jim was an inspiration to his family, friends, and anyone who knew him. He will be missed by everyone. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jo Holmes, his second wife Jean Covert, his parents Leo and Mary Durbin, his sister Mary Lee Ball (Ralph), his brothers Donald Durbin (Lois), Robert Durbin (Ruth), his children, Jamie Durbin, Cathy Durbin, Sherry Durbin, stepson Ron Covert (Sheree). He is survived by his children Dan Durbin, David Durbin (Lori), Beth Young (Jeff), John Durbin (Christian), Tom Durbin (Sheryl), Terry Connor (James), his brothers & sister, David Durbin(Jo Ellen deceased), John Durbin (Marlene), and Ruth Lynne Walsh (Brian). He leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. A funeral mass will be held at St. Veronica Catholic Church in Chantilly on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 10:00 AM followed by a private family burial at Fairfax Memorial Park cemetery. In lieu of flowers consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Alzheimer's Foundation as these touch our family directly.