James Arthur Durham

Dr. James Arthur Durham passed away peacefully in the home he shared with his wife Shirley Thompson on October 12, 2015. He was 79 years old and was surrounded by the love and deep reverence of his friends and family, both near and far, as he entered his final days.
Born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on October 26, 1935, Jim spent a portion of his childhood and early adulthood in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Commercial Art, before beginning a storied career in the United States Army.
Ultimately earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Jim's inherent leadership was evident as Company Commander and Chief to up to 200 military personnel during the Vietnam War as they provided logistics support to military operations. As a representative of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Jim worked for the Pentagon performing public affairs and media functions for all military departments worldwide including providing service during the 2nd inauguration of President Richard Nixon.
At the culmination of his military career, Jim served as a Director at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point and honorably retired from military service as the Directorate of Education and Curriculum at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS.
During his 22-year career with the United States Army, Jim continued to pursue higher education earning, first his Master of Science Degree in Education and eventually, his Doctorate in Instructional Technology from the University of Southern California.
His continued love for education led him to California State University, Dominguez Hills. During his tenure as Vice President of Administration, Jim provided leadership for the administrative service unit and coordinated everything from emergency management to operations and facility usage and maintenance for a variety of programs and events.
Jim lived a life filled with adventure that led him around the world, but was the consummate family man who loved his children and spoiled his grandchildren who affectionately called him "Popi". His gentle nature will be missed but he leaves a legacy of love, leadership, and commitment.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents Ruth and Wayne Durham and his first wife Catherine Durham. He is survived by his second wife Shirley Thompson and his brother Wayne Durham (North Carolina); his children James Durham, Jr. (Bridget), Leslie O'Malley (Patrick), and John Durham (Dianna ); his step children Chris Thompson, Amira Seaboch (Adam), and Joshua Thompson; his grandchildren, Wayne Durham, Colin and Miles O'Malley, Christopher and Nia Thompson, Seth and Zoe Seaboch; Joshua and Richard Henderson, and two great grandchildren.