James L. Durroh, Sr.

Family will receive friends on Friday, February 24, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:30 a.m. at Bethel A.M.E., 2021 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211.

Masonic Service 10:30am - 11:00am.

Interment: Monday, February 27, 2023 at Dayton National Cemetery.

James Lawrence Durroh Sr. was born July 27, 1936, in Columbus, Ohio. He was the Son of John Russel Durroh and Frances Elizabeth Durroh. James accepted Christ at a very young age and was a member of St John A.M.E and a longtime member of Bethel A.M.E. Church. He loved fellowshipping with the members of the church, giving a kind word and putting a smile on everyone’s face. He attended all of his children’s, grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s Church programs.

James was a graduate of the Columbus East High School Class of 1954. He was a member of the Varsity Track and Field and Basketball Team. He served in the United Stated Army and was honorably discharged. He furthered his education and received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Cincinnati and his MBA from Franklin University. James retired from the Defense Construction Supply Center as a Telecommunicator after 30 years of service. He later worked for the Ohio Department of Youth Services. 

James was a member of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio. He served in the capacity of Past Patron of Esther Chapter #3 O.E.S., St Mark Lodge #7, Past Worthy Joshua of Rollin F. Kelley Sr Court #4, Past Grand Worthy Joshua of the Heroines of Jericho, Past Potentate of Allah Baba Temple #53, Allah Baba Turban Club, and I.B.D.O/Elks of the World. 

James’s love spending time with his family. He was the best Father in the world. He was very active in the Columbus Public School system of which his children was a part, from elementary all the way through high school. He was a President of the P.T.A., volunteered in all the academic and sports programs. He served in different capacities in the North Linden Community. He never missed an event that his children’s, grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s participated in. He was a role model to the young men who grew up in the neighborhood. 

He loved taking his family skating, bowling, horseback riding and having picnics. He was always the life of the party and had a great sense of humor. He would always come home with a goody bag filled candy and snacks. He would gather us around table and give us our individual bags of snacks. He enjoyed listening music, sermons, and watching old movies. He loved playing dominos and cards. He was very knowledgeable of the sports Industry.

Blessed with 86 years of life, our beloved James Lawrence Durroh, Sr. peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday, February 4, 2023. James was preceded in death by his parents, John R. and Frances Durroh; brother John Durroh; Joseph L. Durroh; sisters, Jo Ann Durroh and Bernice Neal; son, Jeff R. Durroh.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 64 years, Geraldine Durroh; children, Garna Durroh, Dorothea (Edward) Hives, James Durroh Jr, Frances (Kenneth) Green Sr., Alicia Durroh, and Monica (Reginald) Rankin; grandchildren, great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, other family members, and dear friends. The Beautiful Spirit and warm heart of James will be missed by all of us. We will cherish all the wonderful times we shared with him.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

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