Obituaries detail

Thomas Alexander "Thom" Durham , Age: 71
Aug 05, 1949 - Apr 16, 2021

Thomas Alexander Durham “Thom” , 71 passed away at home April 16, 2021.

Thom was born August 5, 1949 in Malone, NY to Arthur Durham and Norma French Durham.   The Durhams lived  in Norwood, NY for many years and Thom attended school there, through 10th grade.The family later moved to Massena,NY where he graduated from Holy Family High School in 1967.  After a less than successful year in college and the loss of student deferment,  he enlisted in the US Air Force, along with his lifelong friend Richard (Zip) Hughes, and served 6 years, mostly at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, NV.  After his military service, he worked mostly in warehouse operations management  until he retired in 2002.  

In retirement, Thom enjoyed restoring classic cars - mostly Fords from the early 60’s, and one BMW Isetta. He was a member of the Ride Through Time Car Club and the Ford Galaxie Club of America for many years.  After spending his formative years in Northern New York, Thom enjoyed spending his later in life winters in the Texas Rio Grande Valley where he made many good friends from across the US and Canada. 

Thom is predeceased by his parents and one sister, Mary Catherine Durham and his daughter Heather Lynn Durham.  He is survived by his wife of nearly 22 years, Jan Durham,  his daughter Christine Alexis Durham of Fontana, CA , his step-daughter Austin Zarobell of Brooklyn, NY  his daughter Nellie Howell of Florida,  grandchildren, Grace Feist, Joel Swartz, Aaron Sims, Faith Howell, Lillyanne Durham and Henry Durham and five Great Grandchildren, Chloe Stidham Swartz, Emma Feist, Anna Feist and Kallan Sims.  He is also survived by his siblings, Stephen Durham, Paul Durham, Mark Durham, Joan Toth and Barbara Cook as well as many nieces and nephews.

Thom was very proud of his time in the Air Force. Inurnment will be at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS. In lieu of flowers, donations to any veterans support organization would be appreciated.

 

Condolences

Terry Finazzo Apr 20, 2021

To Thom's family. I only knew Thom at Holy Family. He was just a great guy to be around. Always funny, deep voiced, and just a genuinely warm person. My sincerest condolences. Rest in peace Thom.

Kathy Plate Apr 20, 2021

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

What a lovely obituary! Hard to put into words what a great guy he was! Thanks for being in my life, friend! You will be missed.

DIANE Durham Apr 20, 2021

Sister In Law ,Massena ,New York

Jan and all of Thoms family and Children. All of our hearts are breaking right now and still can,t believe that you are gone. We had so many fun times with you and Thom when the both of you came to our house on your visits here. Thom had a laugh you could never forget,always making others laugh and caring about others and he loved life itself. We had so much fun in Vegas and California. Jan if you need anything please don,t hesitate to call. May God wrap his arms around you and protect you now Thom with no more pain or suffering! Untill we meet again Brother, We love you and you will always be with us!!! Thank You for being our Brother!! Your Brother Mark and Sister in Law Mark and Diane Durham!!

Debbie Hathaway Apr 21, 2021

Friend ,Clinton ,Indiana

May you Rest In Peace. Bill and I will miss you dearly

Reed Plate Apr 21, 2021

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Thom was a great person, always smiling and willing to help a neighbor. I'm very glad I got to know Thom and I am so glad to call him friend. My thoughts are with Jan and family at this difficult time.

Jane Kelley Simpson Apr 22, 2021

Classmate ,Bloomington ,Indiana

So sorry to hear of Thom’s passing. He always had everyone in stitches with his humor.