James Malcolm Durham, of Shreveport, Louisiana, went home to be with the Lord early Saturday, January 15, 2022 at the age of 97. Jim was born in Montgomery, Louisiana to William T. Durham and Lettie Lee Chandler Durham on August 8, 1924. He lived a rich and full life at the side of his beloved wife and passed away peacefully at home.
Jim graduated from Montgomery High School and then served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict. Upon returning from serving his country he studied and graduated from Northwestern State University and began his graduate studies at the University of Missouri.
Jim taught Industrial Arts at Minden High School and Byrd High School. Afterwards, he worked for the Federal Housing Administration for 25 years where he worked first as a construction analyst and then in supervisory positions, retiring as a chief architect.
Jim considered the highest privilege of his life to be the salvation that he had in Jesus Christ. He devoted the majority of his adult life to teaching the Bible and serving as a deacon and Sunday School teacher at his church. He was a faithful member of Ford Park Baptist Church for over 50 years.
The second greatest privilege of Jim’s life was marrying his beloved wife, Lucile Zea Durham. They had two children, Patricia Durham Powell and James Michael Durham Sr., of whom they were very proud. Together they served the Lord and traveled to all 50 states.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother Nita Box Jackson Durham, his sister Obera Durham Guilliams, his step-brother Oris F. Jackson, and his wife Lucile Durham.
Jim is survived by his children, Patricia Powell and Jimmy Durham, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2022 from 10:00 am-11:00 am at Ford Park Baptist Church, 5755 Yarbrough Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71119. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 11:00 am at Ford Park Baptist Church. Graveside services will be held after the funeral at Centuries Memorial Park, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108. Officiating the service will be Bro. John Newman, associate pastor of Ford Park Baptist Church. Pallbearers will be Casey Powell, Clint Powell, Michael Durham, and Carlos Castro.
Jim wanted to share the following message with his family and friends. “I am not dead but have gone home to spend eternity with my God. By faith and trust in Jesus Christ, you too can have this assurance.”
