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Jim Durham
1953 - 2020
BORN
1953
DIED
2020
Jim Durham
April 17, 1953 - Nov. 18, 2020
Jim Durham passed away peacefully after a valiant battle with health issues over many years. There will be no memorial service at this time, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Jim was born on a military base in Okinawa, Japan. He spent his formative years in Alaska, where his father was a Civil Engineer at a military base, and Maine, at his maternal grandparents' home. He ultimately moved to Texas at the age of 14 where he would spend the balance of his life. In his early career, Jim was a master electrician. Later he managed commercial buildings for Crescent Real Estate and Rosewood Properties in Dallas.
It was there he met his sweetheart, Maggie McCarthy, and began a 25-year partnership and marriage. Together, they moved to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for four years and ultimately settled in Waco, Texas. With no "skyscrapers" to manage, he embarked on a new profession, ensuring commercial buildings are accessible to the disabled. He spent almost 17 years as a Texas Registered Accessibility Specialist and set up his own company, The Accessibility Professionals, and became an asset to local builders and owners as a guide to inclusive real estate development. Because of this expertise, he was appointed to the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities.
Despite a rare spinal cord condition that left him partially paralyzed 11 years ago, he was a model of resilience. In addition to his professional work to assist the disabled, he was personally involved as a board president for the Heart of Central Texas Independent Living Center. Other volunteer experience include a 10-year stint as a tax preparer for the AARP Tax-Aide Foundation, a free service to the elderly and disabled. He was beloved by many friends who often had the pleasure of joining him on camping adventures to Big Bend, and sailing Texas lakes. Jim and Maggie loved to travel, and despite the challenges of a wheelchair, they took on trains, planes and buses to many far-flung places.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Durham; mother, Una Caron Durham; and his brother, William Durham, Jr. In addition to his wife, survivors include his daughter, Misty Taylor and husband, Bob, and grandaughter, Riley Rice; as well as four sisters and their spouses: Rose Bivona, Carol Crawford, Sarah and Wally Richardson, and Jane and Pat Howell; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. His kind and gentle spirit will live on in all who fondly knew him and will remember his catchy sign off…"Love you, mean it!"
April 17, 1953 - Nov. 18, 2020
Jim Durham passed away peacefully after a valiant battle with health issues over many years. There will be no memorial service at this time, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Jim was born on a military base in Okinawa, Japan. He spent his formative years in Alaska, where his father was a Civil Engineer at a military base, and Maine, at his maternal grandparents' home. He ultimately moved to Texas at the age of 14 where he would spend the balance of his life. In his early career, Jim was a master electrician. Later he managed commercial buildings for Crescent Real Estate and Rosewood Properties in Dallas.
It was there he met his sweetheart, Maggie McCarthy, and began a 25-year partnership and marriage. Together, they moved to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for four years and ultimately settled in Waco, Texas. With no "skyscrapers" to manage, he embarked on a new profession, ensuring commercial buildings are accessible to the disabled. He spent almost 17 years as a Texas Registered Accessibility Specialist and set up his own company, The Accessibility Professionals, and became an asset to local builders and owners as a guide to inclusive real estate development. Because of this expertise, he was appointed to the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities.
Despite a rare spinal cord condition that left him partially paralyzed 11 years ago, he was a model of resilience. In addition to his professional work to assist the disabled, he was personally involved as a board president for the Heart of Central Texas Independent Living Center. Other volunteer experience include a 10-year stint as a tax preparer for the AARP Tax-Aide Foundation, a free service to the elderly and disabled. He was beloved by many friends who often had the pleasure of joining him on camping adventures to Big Bend, and sailing Texas lakes. Jim and Maggie loved to travel, and despite the challenges of a wheelchair, they took on trains, planes and buses to many far-flung places.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Durham; mother, Una Caron Durham; and his brother, William Durham, Jr. In addition to his wife, survivors include his daughter, Misty Taylor and husband, Bob, and grandaughter, Riley Rice; as well as four sisters and their spouses: Rose Bivona, Carol Crawford, Sarah and Wally Richardson, and Jane and Pat Howell; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. His kind and gentle spirit will live on in all who fondly knew him and will remember his catchy sign off…"Love you, mean it!"
To plant trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published by Waco Tribune-Herald from Nov. 21 to Nov. 22, 2020.
MEMORIAL EVENTS
GUEST BOOK
9 Entries
Maggie, I'm so sorry for the loss of Jim. If you need any help let me know. Prayers and blessings for you.
Mark E. Morley
December 9, 2020
Christy Broadwater
November 24, 2020
Debbie Nieman
November 23, 2020
In is with sadden heart of Jim´s passing. He was a good man & friend, he will be missed. Rest In Peace Jim
Peggy Cosner
November 23, 2020
Jim´s life, a testimony to selfless compassion for others, inspired many. He made our community a kinder a better place for us all. Sandy and I offer our sincere condolences to his remarkable soulmate. Blessings on you, Maggie.
Skip Londos
November 22, 2020
I enjoyed working with Jim during my early years with TaxAide. Maggie and he were so kind and hospitable, opening their home several years for our annual social. And I so appreciated Jim's help when I was planning my home to accommodate my husband Mickey's needs for living with Parkinson's disease. Jim was a wonderful and kind, soft spoken man, and is finally without pain. He will be missed.
Ida McBride
November 21, 2020
Maggie, My heart is sad hearing Jim's passing! Both your friendships have always meant the world to me. Please know your always in my Heart!! Harold
Harold Alexander
November 21, 2020
Kevin McCarthy
November 21, 2020
My condolences Maggie and Misty and Riley , Jim was a good friend to me I will always have him in my heart. Good bye my dear friend till we meet again at observatory.
Delfina Velasquez
November 21, 2020