James Durr, 83, Ogdensburg

OGDENSBURG -- James Durr, 83, passed away on August 23 at his home; the place he loved to be, overlooking the St. Lawrence River. No place that he would have rather taken his last breath.

James was born on April 2, 1941, to the late James Francis Durr, and Mildred Reed Durr, in Ogdensburg, NY. He was a graduate of the Ogdensburg Free Academy Class of 1959. He then attended SUNY Potsdam for his teaching degree.

After graduation, he was a reading teacher in Hawaii before he completed his over thirty year tenure with the Syracuse City School District as a reading teacher and kindergarten teacher. He made a difference in so many lives as an educator, and continued this legacy into his retirement as a substitute teacher and storyteller.

Jim was the epitome of a River Rat. He grew up spending summers on the St. Lawrence River with his pets. This tradition continued during the summers he had off during his teaching career.

He was also a bridge enthusiast earning the distinction of life master in 2006, Abraham Lincoln impersonator, and avid bowler on bowling leagues at Ogdensburg Bowl. He was a fixture in the Seaway Festival Parade, appearing as Homer Simpson, Willie Nelson and Elvis Presley. When he retired from teaching, he joked that he went from being the oldest teacher in the school  to the youngest bridge player at the table.

Jim was a type 1 diabetic for 68 years. He was diagnosed with the disease when he was just fifteen years old. He was flown to Boston for medical testing, where he participated in medalist study for type I diabetics who have lived for over 50 years. When he passed away, he was only one of a few people who lived with Type 1 diabetes for most of their lifetime.

He is survived by his wife Diane of Liverpool, his son Kevin (Jennifer), and granddaughters Emily, McKenna and Avery of Clayton. Additional survivors include his brother and Mary’s children John, (Marney and John), Mandy (Evelyn, Hattie, and Lucy) Michelle, (Mason, Mya) and Andy Wight.

He is predeceased by his parents, James and Mildred, his brother, John, and his sister, Karen.

Donations in James memory can be made to the Lisbon Rescue Squad, Ogdensburg Rescue Squad, or the American Diabetes Association.

A celebration of life will take place at the Dobisky Center in Ogdensburg on September 15 from Noon to 2 PM.