James K. Durkin of Bridgeville, formerly of Cherry Hill, NJ, passed away on Jan. 12, 2022 at Country Rest Home in Greenwood.
Jim was born in Poughkeepsie, NY on Jan. 4, 1938, and grew up in Fanwood, NJ. After graduating from Scotch Plains High School, he served two years in the U.S. Army, after which he attended Penn State University, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Jim then relocated to Philadelphia where he began his career at Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania, retiring after 34 years of service.
As a young man, Jim enjoyed participating on the Scotch Plains football team and kept in touch with many of his teammates through the years. He enjoyed many sports including scuba diving and tennis. He also became very active with our local church serving lunches to the homeless on Sunday mornings. Another mission that he found very rewarding was Chuck Colson’s Prison Fellowship. He visited the prisons and was also the local Angel Tree outreach to children of prisoners. He was a devoted husband and father; he enjoyed spending time with his family. After retiring, Jim enjoyed working with remote control planes and spending time at the beach in Ocean City, NJ. Upon relocating to Delaware, he continued to enjoy time at the beach with his beloved wife, Elaine.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Clara Durkin, his brother, Joseph Durkin, and his sister, Sandra Guthrie. He is survived by his wife, Elaine; his daughters, Kelly Powers and her husband, Doug Powers, and Meghan Maloney and her husband, Chris Maloney; as well as grandchildren, Emily Powers, DJ Powers, Durkin Powers, Lily Maloney and Julia Maloney.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, Jan. 21 at 2 p.m. at Crossroad Community Church, 20684 State Forest Road, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Hardesty Chapel in Bridgeville.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Friends of Israel, P.O. Box 908, Bellmawr, NJ 08099.
Please visit Jim’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.