James Durham Sr.

James Otis Durham Sr. NEWPORT NEWS - James Otis Durham Sr., passed away peacefully Oct. 29, 2010 in Riverside Specialty Hospital surrounded by family and friends. Otis, as he was affectionately known by many, was born Jan. 15, 1946 in Manson, N.C., to the late Sonny and Lue Ethel Durham. He received his education from the North Carolina Public School system. He was preceded in death by his wife, Regina D. Durham and one brother, Robert C. Durham. He was the owner and operator of Eddie's Furniture in Newport News, where he served the community for more than 30 years. His business flourished and he enjoyed the conversations of his many customers and friends. Although a native of Manson, he was a longtime resident of Newport News and a dedicated lifelong member of Palm Tree Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a Trustee and later became a Deacon. He leaves in God's care a devoted daughter, Shannon A. Durham of Newport News; one son, James Otis Durham Jr. of Newport News; nine sisters, Juanita Porter (Clyde) of Newport News, Jearlene Porter (Melvin) of Hampton, Minnie Harrington of Brooklyn, N.Y., Mary Eaton of Norlina, N.C., Elnora Turner (Bernard) of Macon, N.C., Maple Russell and Geneva Watson both of Henderson, N.C., Barbara Dortch of Manson, N.C. and Jacquelyn Tyson (Lynn) of Warrenton, N.C.; one brother, Harrill Durham of Durham, N.C.; one grandson, Nigel Durham; two sisters-in-law, Janet Boone (Samuel) of Portsmouth, Brenda Porter of Chesapeake; and a host of loving and supportive nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A celebration of life will be held at noon Wednesday, Nov. 3, at Palm Tree Baptist Church, Suffolk, with Pastor Anthony Sommerville officiating. Interment will be held at Carver Memorial Cemetery. Viewing will begin at noon today, Nov. 2, at Crocker Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. The family will receive friends at 747 29th St., Newport News. Special thanks to the staff of Renal Advantage and Riverside Specialty Hospital for their care and support.