James W. "Dubber" Durham Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

James W. “Dubber” Durham, age 83, of Marion, IL, passed away peacefully at 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, at his home in Marion. He was born on Monday, February 12, 1934, in Williamson County, IL the son of Harold and Sophia (Galyean) Durham. Dubber, as he was known by, attended school in Marion and was a graduate of Marion High School Class of 1952. After graduation he answered the call of this nation by enlisting into the United States Coast Guard. After his period of faithful service he was honorably discharged in 1956, with the rank of Boatswain Mate 2nd Class. He was united in marriage to Thelma (Phillips) Boyt on Thursday, March 12, 1964, in Marion, and together they have shared 53 years of marriage. Dubber’s working career was with the General Telephone Company for 30 years, and he was District Engineer when he retired. He served as Marion City Commissioner from 1972-1976 and spent several years on the Marion Housing Authority Board, where he served as Chairman of the Board. He also was a member of Marion Fellowship Masonic Lodge NO. 89 AF & AM, Heyde-Pillow V.F.W. Post No. 1301 and American Legion Post No. 147 both of Marion, the Williamson County Shrine Club of Marion, and the Ainad Shrine of Southern Illinois. In his spare time he enjoyed golfing, fishing and hunting. Though he always was busy the most important part of his life was family. He was always interested in all of their many activities, especially those of his great grandsons. The many memories that have been created will now be cherished by those he leaves behind. He is survived by his wife Thelma Durham of Marion; daughter, Vickie Boyt Blandford of Marion; granddaughter, Angelina Barnaby Thompson of Marion; four great grandsons, James A. Goodman and his wife Alana and Gage, Sam, and Benjamin Thompson all of Marion; sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and David Short of Marion; five sisters-in-law, Myra Durham of Marion, Versa Bronconnier of Sparta, TN, Christine Hatcher of Roxboro, N.C., Bessie Parker of Monterey, TN, and Mary Ann Dotson and husband Bobby of Albuquerque, NM, many special nieces and nephews, other extended family, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Charles Boyt, Jr.; brother, Robert D. Durham, and sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and John Willems. Arrangements were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion. The visitation was from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2017, at the funeral home. During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events in Dubber’s life was presented to the family and friends. Following the time of visitation the funeral service was at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Kenneth Blumenstock presiding. Masonic Rites were accorded at the funeral home by members of Marion Fellowship Masonic Lodge No. 89 AF & AM. Officers participating were Master James Middleton, Marshall Eric Johnson, Chaplain Bob Russell, Secretary Pat Samples and Past Master Donald Crees. The prelude and postlude musical selections were recorded piano selections. Special recorded vocal musical selections presented during the service were “In the Garden” and “Amazing Grace” both by Anne Murray and “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler. Interment followed in Egyptian Memorial Gardens Cemetery of Energy, IL. Pallbearers were Duane Howard, Tom Thompson, John Thompson, Robert Durham, Jonah Grassl and Gary Henning. Military honors were accorded at the cemetery by members of Heyde-Pillow V.F.W. Post No. 1301 and American Legion Post No. 147 both of Marion and members of the United States Coast Guard Funeral Honors Burial Detail. Those participating were Commander and Chaplain Art Ambros, Officer of the Day Larry Largent, Bugler Bill Rice, Color Guard Bob Casey and Merlin Koester, National Colors Ray Hancock, VFW Colors Roger Morris, American Legion Colors Bob Wallace, POW/MIA Colors Ron Phillips and Firing Squad Ron Russell, Fred Read, Tim Payne, Bill Hatfield, Bill Hampsey, Ron Ganzer and Don Burgrabe. Presentation of the flag to Thelma was by the United States Coast Guard Funeral Honors Burial Detail. Following the committal service at the cemetery the family and friends gathered at the Marion V.F.W. Post No. 1301 for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to “Shriners Hospital for Children” and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes were available at the funeral home. For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

James W. "Dubber" Durham

February 12, 1934 - December 6, 2017