James Gerald Durst

James Gerald Durst went home to Jesus on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
He was born May 3, 1937, in Fredericksburg, Texas to Marvin Faltin Durst and Bertha Bell Palmer Durst.
His family moved to Kerrville when he was 4 years old and his family home sat next to the Guadalupe River. At age 11, he decided that he owned the part of the river from below the dam at Louise Hays Park to the G street bridge and he patrolled it every day. He loved the river.
In his teen years, he was known for having fun with antics like letting a raccoon loose in the Arcadia Theater during a movie. He had help from a couple of his friends. Drag racing and dancing to 50's doo wop music helped to make his teenage years magical. Oh and we can't forget his 1957 Chevy.
James graduated from Tivy High School in 1956 where he played defensive end wearing #41. He was also known as the fastest man at Tivy in track during his high school years.
At 18 years of age, he met and married the love of his life, Patsy Davis of Boerne. They were married 69 years until she completed her earthly journey to heaven on August 20, 2025.
We knew they would go quickly together. We find peace they are with each other and in the presence of their savior, Jesus Christ.
Our dad served 13 years in the Texas National Guard as a mess Sargent.
In the 1960's he served as a Kerrville Fire Fighter where he entered burning buildings and flooded waters to rescue people. On down time in the firehouse once again antics happened. The stories from his firehouse days help weave his life story and entertained our family throughout the years. They are fun and a bit wild. He was the last living Kerrville fire fighter from the 1960's era.
Our Dad worked at Mooney Aircraft in the late 1960's to the early 70's where he was the manager for the upholstery department. While there, he developed a special pad that made the Mooney airplane seats very comfortable. In the 80's he worked in the aircraft industry in Dallas as an interior designer for personal aircraft.
In the 1970's and '80's he owned several businesses including Durst Automobile Upholstery and Mattress Manufacturing. Oh, and we can't forget "The Skate Machine". We spent many fun hours there.
I believe our dad would say his greatest achievement was serving as the superintendent of the Sunday School department at First Assembly of God under the leadership of Rev. W. N. Perkins. Those were wonderful years. Our Dad loved Jesus with all of his heart and shared him with whomever he could. His relationship with Jesus was strong and carried him throughout his 88 years of life.
We will miss him. ……but God! When our family faced a crisis, he would say …..but God! The word of God is filled with …..but God scriptures. It was faith building and we would see the hand of God in many things.
Until we meet again. Goodnight daddy.
He is proceeded in death by wife Patsy Durst, Parents Marvin and Bertha Durst, Sister ErnaLee Dechert, her husband Buster Dechert and son-in-law Timothy Way.
He is survived by daughters Terry Way, Jamey Allen (Ken), Kimberly Miller (Kevin), grandchildren Brittany Way, Aaron Way, Christopher Crites (Lauren), Kelly Crites, Andrew Miller, Kingston Miller and 5 great grand children. He is also survived by a close family friend who was considered a daughter Karen Perry (John).