
Live Stream will begin about 2:55pm, Friday, December 1.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Christ Church Episcopal’s “General Fund 2023” please “include a note with your donation” in memory of Jim Durnil.
JAMES (JIM) BIRDELL DURNIL
On the morning of Saturday, October 28, 2023, with his family by his side, James (Jim) Birdell Durnil, entered the gorgeous gates of heaven.
Jim was born in Norton, Kansas to Carl Birdell Durnil and Francis Mae Durnil. He was born on September 23, 1942. He grew up in Almena, Kansas and attended Northern Valley School through graduation. He then attended Fullerton Jr. College in California. From there he proceeded to join the army and fought in the Vietnam War. After coming home, Jim attended Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas where he pursued his Major in Accounting.
After college, Jim spent his time in Washington D.C. working for the Federal Government and where he met his wife Kathryn Ann Shaffer. They were married in 1973, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Mobile, Alabama. They moved from Washington D.C. to Seattle, to Denver, and back to D.C., and had two sons along the way, James Robert Durnil and David Eugene Durnil and their family was complete.
During that time Jim served the Federal Government at the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; the Department of Transportation; the Department of Veterans Affairs; and ended his Federal service at the State Department where he held a post abroad in Singapore from ‘90-’93. After leaving the Federal Government, Jim joined the accounting firm PriceWaterHouseCoopers (Coopers & Lybrand), and then ended his career as President of International Programs at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
After traveling the world 17 times around, where he provided third-world nations with electricity, met with world leaders, testified on Capitol Hill, and spent three years in Singapore. After traveling, Jim retired and moved to Tyler, Texas.
Once he retired, Jim and Kathy built their dream home on Lake Tyler in East Lake Woods. While living in Tyler, Jim kept busy building (and tinkering with) antique cars and serving numerous community organizations; Camp Tyler, Smith County Appraisal Board, Habitat for Humanity, East Lake Woods Homeowners, and Tyler Model A Ford Club. Jim’s favorite hobbies included salmon fishing with his friends in Alaska, visiting his friends across the country, and, most importantly, spending hours on end with his grandchildren teaching them life lessons, giving countless boat rides, and showing them the joy of life and love.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Gene, sisters Wanda White and husband Chet, Wauneta Riley and husband William, sister-in-laws Judy Patrick and husband George, brother-in-laws Steve Stevens and Duane Steinle. Jim leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Kathyrn Ann Durnil, his sons, James Robert and his wife Lindsay of Austin, and David Eugene and wife Virgina of Aledo, as well as his pride and joy, grandchildren Lincoln Howe, Ashlynn Kay, Finn Shaffer, Dylan Alexa, Brooklyn Kate, and Jett Schaefer. He also leaves behind sisters, Marlene Stevens and Mary Lou Steinle, and a host of nieces, nephews, and many longtime, wonderful friends.
On behalf of the Durnil Family, we would like to thank the many caregivers that helped take care of Jim over the past few years. As we say goodbye, remember to always have a smile, just like Jim always smiled. And remember, “It’s a tough life in Arp, Texas.”
Jim’s memorial service will be held at Christ Church Episcopal with military honors in Tyler, Texas on Friday, December 1, at 3:00PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Christ Church Episcopal’s “General Fund 2023” – please “include a note with your donation” in memory of Jim Durnil at https://christchurchtyler.aware3.net/give/.
“O God, please help me to find rest and happiness within your plan. Make my lips smile longer as I think of moving to an amazing sunlit place. Let me awaken each morning with hope for everything that the world has to offer”