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.
