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James Gudaitis Obituary
November 27, 1951 - February 8, 2025
Durham, North Carolina - James Victor Gudaitis (Jim), 73, of Durham, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025 at Duke University Hospital with family members by his side, following a bone marrow transplant to treat lymphoma.
Jim was born November 27, 1951 in Birmingham, Michigan to William and Helen Gudaitis, as the eldest of nine children. He attended Spring Hill College and obtained degrees from Florida State University and Temple University. Jim began in policy analysis and teaching and worked at Duke University and Davidson College in higher education advancement.
A man of deep faith, Jim was an active parishioner at St. Peter Catholic Church in Charlotte and then Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Durham and walked the Camino de Santiago in 2017.
Jim dedicated himself to charitable endeavors focusing especially on the incarcerated, the unhoused and the hungry. In recent years, he served in the Prisoner Visitation Support Program, ministered to individuals in jail and prison, and volunteered with Meals on Wheels Durham and the American Red Cross.
Jim will be remembered as an ardent environmentalist; an outdoor enthusiast who loved hiking and kayaking; an athlete who especially loved cycling and swimming; and a good man and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and colleague.
Jim is survived by his wife of 43 years, Christy; children Margie Gudaitis Hess (Taylor) and Peter Gudaitis (Claire O'Brien); grandchildren Rory and Harper Hess; siblings David Gudaitis (Jan), Susan Katrein (Marty), Richard Gudaitis (Sheryl), Annie Brasseale (Pete), Mary Garrett (John), Claire Myers (Danny), Nancy Farrand (Keith), and Tom Gudaitis (Kerry); and many beloved nieces and nephews.
On Sunday, February 16, a visitation will take place from 2:30-5 p.m. at Hall-Wynne Funeral Home, 1113 West Main Street, Durham. On Monday, February 17, a funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 810 West Chapel Street, Durham. Visitation at the church will start an hour before the mass and a reception will follow.
An expanded version of this obituary can be found at Endswell Funeral Home: https://endswellfuneralhome.com/in-memoriam/james-victor-gudaitis-jim/.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Gudaitis
Sponsored by Hall-Wynne Funeral Service & Crematory - Durham.
5 Entries
Rick and Ariel Kinsey Bejarano
February 17, 2025
My spouse and I will be forever grateful for Jim´s friendship and superb witness to service and compassion for all of creation, humankind, and God. Starting my day with Jim in a Men´s Bible Study, seeing him cycling around town, and very fond memories of when he officiated at our wedding - lasting and wonderful memories of a life well-lived.
Bruce Klitzman
February 16, 2025
Jim´s faith was contagious, inspiring many to deepen their own relationship with God. His many good deeds made the world far better. Deepest sympathy to his family and other loved ones.
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Hall-Wynne Funeral Service & Crematory - Durham1113 W. Main St, Durham, NC 27701
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