James E. Durbin

James E. Durbin, Age 87 of Hazel Crest. Beloved husband of Cynthia for 62 years. Father of Kimberly (James) Skalon and Susan (Michael) Wilks. Grandfather (Papa) to Michael Luth, Daniel (Christie) Hansen and Amy Skalon. Great Grandfather to Akiko, Mason, Mackenzie, Christian and Anthony. Fond brother of Karen Lee Goff and Deanna Cunningham and Brother-in-law of Marion D. Taylor and Jan Goldstein. He was friends to many

Jim began his life pilgrimage on September 14, 1935 as the ninth child of Charles Edward and Mary Margaret Bentley Durbin. Graduating as valedictorian from Rockport High School in Rockport, Kentucky he went on to take classes from the South Dakota School of Mines.

Jim served the United States as a member of the Air Force from 1955-1959 as E.G.M. Operator on a B-56 Bomber Aircraft.

He was employed by the Illinois Central Railroad and transferred to Chicago from Kentucky in 1969. Jim retired from the railroad after 44 years of service as Superintendent of Transportation and Operations.

Jim was raised as an Ancient Free and Accepted Mason in the Homewood Neighbor Lodge in 1975. He went on to hold membership in many masonic bodies and held many high positions throughout Scottish Rite, York Rite and DeMolay. Jim was awarded 33° of the Scottish Rite in 1994. In 2001, Jim served as Most Worshipful Grand Master A.F.&A.M. for the State of Illinois.

Jim always loved spending his free time with his family and he was friends to many. He was a lifelong Kentucky Wildcats basketball fan and he loved the Chicago Cubs. Mentoring young people was Papa's passion and he coached many youth basketball and baseball leagues in his community.

Resting at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home, 18230 Dixie Highway, Homewood, IL 60430 on Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00PM. Masonic Funeral Services to follow at 7:00PM.