Dr. James Bascom Durham died peacefully Thursday, June 28, 2007, surrounded by family and friends. He was born September 30, 1935, in Loudon, Tennessee, and was the son of Alma Jane Cook Durham and Charles W. Durham, II.

Jim graduated from Macon County High School in 1953, then served four years in the United States Air Force. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from MTSU in 1961, and his Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas in 1966. After teaching college English at Wayne State University in Nebraska, East Tennessee State University, and Arkansas State University, Jim brought his family back to Macon County in 1971. He was editor of the Macon County Times for many years, where he began his popular John W. Raintree column. Jim took some years off from journalism after the Times before founding the Macon County Chronicle in 1993 in Red Boiling Springs where he continued his work helping the people of Macon County in whatever ways he could. After his retirement Jim enjoyed his time on the farm reading and visiting with friends and family.

One of his favorite sayings these past couple of years has been, "I am a lucky man." Whether he was reporting the County Commission meeting, flying small motorized airplanes out on the farm, or conducting business in town, Jim's love of life was obvious. He enjoyed children and kidding around and having fun, but he had a very serious contemplative side as well and thrived on lively conversation. He was well-loved by family, friends, and almost everyone he met.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and an older sister, Sue Anne Durham. He is survived by his daughter Mary Scott Cheenie Durham of El Granada, CA, and his son Charles W. Durham, IV, of Lafayette, his sisters Nancy L. Deane of Lafayette who recently retired and moved back to take care of Jim, and Lucy Jane Dampier of Lexington, KY, his brother Charles W. Durham, III of Murfreesboro, four grandchildren, Drew Miller, Sagan Durham, Stewart Durham, and Eliot Durham-McClellan, his ex-wife of 17 years Mary Lou Durham, his best friend Melissa Falls, four nieces and two nephews, and many loving friends and relatives.

A memorial service for family and close friends was held at the family farm.

Jim donated his body to Meharry Medical College in Nashville. Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to Macon County Public Library, 311 Church Street, Lafayette, TN, 37083, or Sumner Homecare and Hospice, 510 East Main Street, Gallatin, TN, 37066. Jim hoped that those wishing to celebrate his life and to pay their respects would reminisce together.