James Durkin

Avon - James Francis Durkin, 81, passed away peacefully at home November 19, 2020.

He was born August 5, 1939 in Youngstown, son of the late John and Bridget (Devaney) Durkin.  Jim was a graduate of Ursuline High School, Army Veteran, and attended Youngstown State University.  He was a civil servant and foreman for the Youngstown Water Department.

Jim held many things in life very dear to him, three of these were God, Country, and Notre Dame.

He also enjoyed many happy summers on Lake Erie with family and friends, most recently at their cottage at Linwood Park in Vermilion, Ohio.

He is survived by daughter Kellie (Jason) Renfro of Avon, three grandchildren, Zachary, Luke, and Riley Renfro; brother Rick (Patty) Durkin of Ellsworth; sisters Sally Durkin of Columbiana, and Dorothy Durkin of Kent.  Five sisters-in-law:  Anna Mae Durkin of Columbiana, Carol (Walter) McKelvey of Bonita Springs, Kim (Stuart) Marks of Myrtle Beach, Mary Lou Forman of Parma, and Carol Durkin of Detroit.  In addition, he leaves several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jim was also preceded in death by his wife Jane (Foreman) of 52 years; sisters Rosemary Durkin, Margaret Reali; brothers Jack Durkin, Michael Durkin; and brothers-in-law Jim Forman, and Fred Reali.

A private graveside service was celebrated Dec 2nd, 2020 at Tod Homestead Cemetery in Youngstown by Father Jim Korda. The Ellsworth VFW provided the honor guard and flag.

Professional arrangements were handled by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, material tributes may take the form of donations to Chicks Against Hunger, 2531 Berkshire Avenue, Avon, Ohio 44011.