James “Jimmy” Durbin, born to the late Mildred and Erlo Durbin, passed away on April 16 at the age of 76. He will be remembered for his compassion and love for his family, friends,and the City of Denham Springs.
Jimmy graduated from Denham Springs High School; received his bachelor’s degree from LSU; then served in the Louisiana National Guard where he learned one of his favorite hobbies, riding his tractor. After receiving his law degree from Loyola Law School, he and his two best friends joined Jimmy’s father in the practice of law at the law firm of Durbin, Durbin, Borde and Fogg. Later, his daughter joined Jimmy and his father at the law firm of Durbin, Durbin and Durbin. Jimmy was known for his integrity and professionalism, as well as his exemplary work as a property attorney–skills he accredited to his mother, who had been a notary and property abstractor.
Jimmy’s dedication to public service was evident throughout his twelve years on the City Council and his three terms as Mayor of Denham Springs. During his tenure, Jimmy’s visionary leadership ushered in an era of progress for Denham Springs. He championed substantial improvements to the city’s infrastructure, including a state–of–the–art wastewater treatment system; the Range Avenue Corridor; the Historic District; completion of the Old City Hall renovation; beautification efforts,including the landscape and sign ordinances; dedication and maintenance of numerous parks and public spaces; and the first no–kill municipal animal shelter in the state. His efforts were instrumental in attracting major businesses, including Bass Pro Shops, and in stimulating economic growth that transformed the city.
Jimmy’s contributions continued long after his retirement. Heserved as chair of Gov. John Bel Edwards’ Restore Louisiana Task Force following the 2016 floods, and he maintained his commitment to numerous community charities.
Jimmy enjoyed fellowship with his family and friends. He was excited to play golf with his son at renowned golf courses,including St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, Muirfield, and Pinehurst. He delighted in traveling with his wife and daughter to places like Spain, Greece, Costa Rica, and England. He was full of inquiry and adventure and always ready for a trip or dining excursion. Jimmy had a genuine interest in people and a gift for remembering names, places, and events. He was a gentle and generous person who enjoyed teasing and loving his dogs, Mutt and Jeff, who brought him comfort during his illness.
He is survived by his beloved wife and partner of 46 years, Maurice, his son Brad Rhorer (and wife Trini and daughter Blake) and his daughter Berkley Rhorer Durbin (and family MikeBruce and Michael and Julianna), his sister Ginger Durbin Millet, and his nephews, Jonathan, Jared, Joel, and Wade. He was predeceased by his sister Delores Durbin Shields Greer.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Jimmy may be made to PetAid, P.O. Box 608, Denham Springs, LA 70727 or the Livingston Parish Children’s Choir.
A memorial will be held at the First Pentecostal Church on Range Avenue in Denham Springs, on Friday April 26. Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00, with a eulogy from 6:00-7:00.
13 comments
Bella
May 8, 2024 at 12:08 am
Jimmy will be missed, I had the good fortune of meeting him and his wife, Karen. He is in a better place now. Rest in peace
Kelly
May 8, 2024 at 12:05 am
Jimmy was good man. At least he no longer is dealing with Maurice.
Ruth Carter
April 23, 2024 at 7:02 pm
I went to high school with Jimmy. Even though we didn’t really know each other then he had a great presence on campus. Later, when he came to the coffee shop we became friends. We were all like family there. He conciled us and prayed with us. That’s who he really was aside from politics. He was a careing special man.
Courtnay Tigner (Carter)
April 23, 2024 at 7:01 pm
Mr. Jimmy will be greatly missed.
I’ll forever cherish the memories of Mr Jimmy and the early morning “regulars” that occupied the large table for coffee and newspaper crossword at Whistle Stop when I was a teen.
His warm smile and kind heart was truly one of a kind.
Milli Bunch-Ballard
April 23, 2024 at 2:38 am
Maurice and family. My heart goes out to you all. I know the pain of losing a mate in life. Just thank the Good Lord for the wonderful times you had together and those memories will live with you forever. My first job out of high school was with Erlo and Mildred. I cherish those days. The Durbins were very special in my life. May God bring you comfort in that Jimmy was a Christian. Our life here on earth is short. May he dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Much love and many prayers.
Milli Bunch-Ballard.
Kathy Benton Harris
April 22, 2024 at 11:26 pm
I remember him with such fondness as one of my dad’s longtime friends, and my own neighbor on Centerville Street. He always greeted me with a big smile, a hug, and a kiss on the cheek. He was a man I held in high regard, always. Hearing the news of his passing broke my heart. 🙏🏻
Vikki Fogg Kilshaw
April 22, 2024 at 12:11 pm
Marrice, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Jimmy will leave an enormous void that I’m praying our Heavenly Father will fill with happy memories and much love.
Barbara Walker
April 22, 2024 at 3:30 am
Jimmy served as President of the Board for the Livingston Parish Children’s Choirs from 1996-2015. His leadership helped LPCC become the strong organization it is today. He was kind and strong and good. A truly wonderful man.
Bonnie Smith Williams
April 22, 2024 at 2:35 am
Maurice, I am so very sorry. Jimmy and you were a blessing to my family when we lived there. Jimmy was a true gentleman. We are thankful to have known him and you. God bless you and your family.
David Felder
April 21, 2024 at 6:12 pm
No words can express my sadness. I am honored to have known Jimmy.
Having Jimmy and Maurice in my life has made me a better man.
You will be missed, my friend.
Ann Broussard Walker
April 21, 2024 at 5:27 pm
What a lovely tribute to a very nice man. Ginger, I hated to hear this. My heart goes out to you snd to all of the Durbin family. I met Jimmy in College and he generously kept in touch with my parents in Baton Rouge until their passing. To say that Jimmy was all things good is an understatement. I am claiming comfort and peace for all of you who are missing this special man.
Jane Hall Harmon
April 21, 2024 at 7:25 am
Jimmy was a fine gentleman. I met him when he had just finished law school and was beginning practice. I was so lucky to be invited to sail with him, his sister and brother in law out of Savannah on a three day trip up the Atlantic coast. A great trip and such a lovely family. His wife and children must have had a wonderful life with him. All are in my prayers.
Jane Hall Harmon
Daniel Island, SC
Jean Miley
April 21, 2024 at 3:09 am
Maurice, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Jimmy will be greatly missed. May Jesus comfort you.
Mary Miley, Lard Oil Company