James Elmer "Jim" Durham

James Elmer Durham, 84, passed away Sunday, June 29th, 2014, in Longview, Wash. He was born July 12, 1929, in Aberdeen, Wash., to Alma and Luther Durham. He grew up in Portland and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1948. He attended Portland Electronics College, graduating in 1956. After high school, he joined the Merchant Marine and made many trips to Japan and India, delivering wheat.
On Oct. 16, 1954, he married Marilyn Briscoe in Portland, Ore. During their 59 years of marriage they lived in California, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Illinois, moving back to Astoria, Ore., for 42 years.
He worked for The Dalles Cablevision, moving to Easton, Pa., to manage and build the system there. On to Illinois to start a cable TV system in Crystal Lake. He was called to manage the system for Cox Cablevision in Astoria in 1971.
He was recognized as an early pioneer in the cable TV industry. He served as president of the Oregon State Cablevision Assoc. He was asked to take the position of director of the Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce. During his time, he was one of the few who started the Astoria Crab Festival and the Astoria Bridge Run. He formed and chartered a chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans in 1994, and served as president.
He was always involved in the community, serving as president of the The Dalles Jaycees, president of Rotary, president of the Chamber of Commerce. He was on the Astoria Budget Committee and the Clatsop Economic Development Committee, and served as YMCA director and Senior Center secretary. He was an American Legion member and life member of the Elks, and past director. During retirement he continued to work at the Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce. Family members say he was always happy and on the go, helping others whenever he could.
Jim is survived by his wife Marilyn; daughter Linda and son-in-law Randy Morrell. Granddaughter Nikkie and her husband Gordon Giles. Great-grandson Jake Giles of Elgin, Ill. Three nieces and five nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son Gregory; sisters Margaret Kerney and Dorothy Harris; and brother John.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Clatsop Animal Shelter, Salvation Army or charity of choice.
A service and celebration of his life will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 5, at the Astoria Elks.
Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Please sign our online guest book at www.caldwellsmortuary.com.