Obituary of James Morris Durham

May 25, 1956 – Calgary, Alberta

November 7, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Jim Durham, beloved husband of Donna Durham, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at the age of 67 years. Jim and Donna married in 2017 and were very best friends—their cups overflowed with love, happiness, and joy from the moment they first met. 

Besides his loving wife Donna, Jim is survived by his large, blended family.  He cherished his children, Natalya (Daniel), Andrea (Mark), Michelle (James), Sulyn (Danno), Jentue (Diego), Jenessa (Javier) and Michael (Mercedes). He deeply, and goofily, loved his grandchildren, Vonn, Malaya, Charlotte, and Matthew and was excitedly waiting to welcome Baby Crean. Jim is also survived by his brother Ron and his sister-in-law, Donna, his nieces, Sarah (Jay), Frances (Tim), and Jane (Gordon); and by his Aunt Rasjida. Jim was predeceased by his parents George and Doreen.

Jim accomplished much through his career as an accountant and entrepreneur, and he was especially adept at bringing people together. Jim loved feeding his family and friends and there was always room for you at his table. Jim also loved sports and travelling. One of his most memorable vacations was taking Donna and the twelve ‘kids’ to Hawaii to propose marriage, to everyone’s surprise and delight!

‘Maui Jim’, as we then affectionately called him, was endlessly quotable and some of our favourites are, “Good for you!” “Okay, see ya later, haha,” “They make a really good burger,” and, for the kids, “When you are a rich (fill-in-the-blank), then you can pay.”  

He will be most remembered for his generous and welcoming spirit, his endless support and vocal encouragement, his curiosity, and his willingness to put the comfort of others before his own. Of course, he was also eye-rollingly hilarious.

To be a part of Jim’s family, you didn’t have to share blood, just a good meal. We gratefully acknowledge all of the wonderful extended family members, friends, and acquaintances, who are too numerous to name, for keeping Jim’s beaming smile in place.

Everyone is welcome to celebrate Jim’s life and say goodbye during the funeral service at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow in the Hospitality Centre.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jim’s family here. If you would like to contribute to a Fish Creek memorial park bench in Jim’s name, please contact Donna.

In living memory of Jim Durham, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.