John Durham Obituary
Visit the Church & Chapel Funeral Home - Waukesha/Pewaukee website to view the full obituary.
John "Jack" R. Durham
John began his journey home on January 12, 2026, at the age of 80. He was born on October 11, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois.
The beloved husband of Pat (née Hough) Durham for 23 years, and a cherished friend and mentor to her children, Steve (Samantha Paddington) Hodson and the late Sue (the late Brian) Rigby. He was a proud and devoted grandpa to Candice Rigby and Callum Hodson.
John was a dear brother to Jill (Art) Hill and a loving brother-in-law to Marina Garside, John (the late Sandra) Hough, and the late Mick (Bev) Hough. He was a much-loved uncle to Amy (Dan) Tausk, Lori Hill, Theresa Garside, Rachel Garside, Mark (Anna) Hough, and Andrew (Jaqueline) Hough. He is also warmly remembered by his former wife, Dee. He will be fondly remembered by many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Evelyn (née Hartelius) Durham.
John graduated from Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin. He valued education deeply and carried a lifelong commitment to learning, personal growth, and doing things well.
He honorably served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Rising to the rank of Captain, he served as a second-seat pilot, a role that reflected both his technical skill and calm leadership.
Following his military service, John built a successful career as a financial auditor and tax consultant. He worked with several organizations, including Kraft Foods, Enron and Spalding before later becoming a freelance tax consultant.
Outside of work, John pursued his interests with the same focus and care. An avid gun collector, he was deeply committed to hunting, shooting sports, and above all, safety. He became a respected firearms and concealed-carry instructor at Stone Bank Sportsman's Club and Heritage Shooting Club, taking particular pride in teaching gun safety to children and women. He also served as a board member at Stone Bank Sportsman's Club and the Hartland Gun Club.
He enjoyed photography and during his travels to South Africa, captured remarkable images of wildlife, landscapes, and people. His photographs reflected the beauty, vitality, and detail he observed in the world around him.
John was deeply grateful for the friends who helped him during a particularly difficult time. Pat's dear friend Emily Kenton, along with John's longtime friends John and Dorothy Grochowski, who showed exceptional kindness, attentiveness, and compassion while Pat
was out of the country attending her mother's funeral in England. Their care and presence meant more to John and his family than words can fully express.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 8, at Church and Chapel Funeral Home, 380 Bluemound Road, Waukesha, Wisconsin 53189, from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.
Private interment will take place at Durham Cemetery in Galatia, Illinois.
John began his journey home on January 12, 2026, at the age of 80. He was born on October 11, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois.
The beloved husband of Pat (née Hough) Durham for 23 years, and a cherished friend and mentor to her children, Steve (Samantha Paddington) Hodson and the late Sue (the late Brian) Rigby. He was a proud and devoted grandpa to Candice Rigby and Callum Hodson.
John was a dear brother to Jill (Art) Hill and a loving brother-in-law to Marina Garside, John (the late Sandra) Hough, and the late Mick (Bev) Hough. He was a much-loved uncle to Amy (Dan) Tausk, Lori Hill, Theresa Garside, Rachel Garside, Mark (Anna) Hough, and Andrew (Jaqueline) Hough. He is also warmly remembered by his former wife, Dee. He will be fondly remembered by many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Evelyn (née Hartelius) Durham.
John graduated from Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin. He valued education deeply and carried a lifelong commitment to learning, personal growth, and doing things well.
He honorably served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Rising to the rank of Captain, he served as a second-seat pilot, a role that reflected both his technical skill and calm leadership.
Following his military service, John built a successful career as a financial auditor and tax consultant. He worked with several organizations, including Kraft Foods, Enron and Spalding before later becoming a freelance tax consultant.
Outside of work, John pursued his interests with the same focus and care. An avid gun collector, he was deeply committed to hunting, shooting sports, and above all, safety. He became a respected firearms and concealed-carry instructor at Stone Bank Sportsman's Club and Heritage Shooting Club, taking particular pride in teaching gun safety to children and women. He also served as a board member at Stone Bank Sportsman's Club and the Hartland Gun Club.
He enjoyed photography and during his travels to South Africa, captured remarkable images of wildlife, landscapes, and people. His photographs reflected the beauty, vitality, and detail he observed in the world around him.
John was deeply grateful for the friends who helped him during a particularly difficult time. Pat's dear friend Emily Kenton, along with John's longtime friends John and Dorothy Grochowski, who showed exceptional kindness, attentiveness, and compassion while Pat
was out of the country attending her mother's funeral in England. Their care and presence meant more to John and his family than words can fully express.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 8, at Church and Chapel Funeral Home, 380 Bluemound Road, Waukesha, Wisconsin 53189, from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.
Private interment will take place at Durham Cemetery in Galatia, Illinois.
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