John Lloyd Durham passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on September 8, 1958, and graduated from Independence High School in Charlotte, NC in 1976. After receiving his B.A. in History from UNC-Greensboro, he graduated from NC State University with an M.A. in Public History and Archival Management.
John worked for the NC Museum of History and the NC State Archives for 10 years. He then spent 20 years as the historian/curator of Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. As he specialized in North Carolina history, he was fortunate to earn a living doing what he loved. Outside of his career, John was a member of the Company of Military Historians and spent many hours poring over archival collections across the State as well as the National Archives in Washington, DC conducting independent research. He was also a collector of NC military artifacts. History and research were both a career and a hobby for John. He also spent many years re-enacting battles of the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the War of 1812. The lasting friendships he made in re-enacting have endured for fifty years.
John met his wife, Lynn Frances Payne, in the fall of 1977, and they were married in May of 1989. Their strong commitment to each other endured. In August of 1997, his son, Micajah James Augustus, was born. Suddenly, he found a love that surpassed even historical research and re-enacting. He delighted in spending time with him, showing him museums, and guiding him through the years.
John was preceded in death by his father, James O. Durham, Sr.; his brother, Joel M. Durham; and his brother-in-law, Marco A. Batres. He is survived by his wife, Lynn Payne Durham, and his son, Micajah J.A. Durham. He is also survived by his mother, Jane Murray Durham; his brother, James O. Durham, Jr. (Phyllis); his sister, Janet Batres Cauthen (David); a nephew, Michael A. Batres; a niece, Erica Batres Witek (Ryan); and a grand nephew, Beckam B. Witek.
A visitation will be held at Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Service, located at 515 North Elm Street, Greensboro, North Carolina, 27401, on February 15, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm.A funeral service will follow at the same location, starting at 3:30 pm. The service will be available via live stream at https://Hanes-Lineberry-Funeral-Home.livecontrol.tv/4c9109cc.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in John's memory may be directed to the American Diabetes Association, donors.diabetes.org or P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.
