James Kenneth Durant
July 8, 1934 - September 4, 2006
Obituary
Jim was born in Boston, Massachusetts and lived the first 27 years of his life in Medford, Massachusetts.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Gertrude Gallant and Joseph Josh Durant, his sister, Alice Brown, his brothers Albert, Robert, and Richard Durant, his mother in law and good friend Jean Leavy.
He is survived by his daughter, Theresa Baranska Brad of Maple Valley, Washington and his son Jay Durant of Bakersfield California, his grandchildren Bo, Jordan, Austin, Sharaya, Jessica and C.J, and great grandchild Aden. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins on the East Coast.
In 1962 Jim married Patricia Durant and they moved to Lake Tahoe California in 1963. He moved his family of 4 to the Puget Sound area in 1966 where they raised their children.
He was active in St. Louise Catholic Church and school in Bellevue, Washington for many years. He taught CCD classes, coached CYO sports, and supported the parents club. He also belonged to the Knights of Columbus. Jim loved both the North East and the Northwest and was proud to call both areas home.
Jim loved to sing, fish, camp, draw and paint, and spend time with his family.
After many years of employment at the Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, Washington he was forced to retire due to being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He then resided in Maple Valley, Washington with his Daughter and son in law, Theresa and Brad Baranska, and their sons. They cared for him lovingly until 2001 when it became necessary for him to be moved to Life Care Center of Federal Way.
Jim loved to sing as a younger man and often entertained in local lounges. He continued to entertain at Life Care Center as he brought enjoyment to himself and fellow residents by singing many familiar old time ballots on a regular basis until he could no longer function in this capacity.
The staff of Life Care Center have been very supportive and caring to Jim and his family, especially his daughter, Theresa, whom spent time with him regularly.
The family wishes to thank all of the Staff, especially the Aids and Nurses who continually provided loving and compassionate care to Jim during his long illness.
Jim loved the many friends he encountered along the way, especially Patricia Durant, Jim Leavy, Joan Crawford, Louise Scott, Denice Scott Dato and Jim and Marge Christenson. He will be missed by all of them.
Jim was a gentle person and will be long remembered by us. Our sympathies to the family in their time of loss.
Jim-
You are now at peace with the Lord.
Our deepest sympathy to all.
Jim, you will always be remembered in my prayers and thoughts.I will always see you in Theresa and Jays eyes.Always will I remember and love you for the special care and love you gave my Mom. I miss you. Trish
Jay, Theresa and the entire Durant family, Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss.
Take Care,
Rob Speer
Auntie Pat, Theresa and Jay & families: My condolences to you all. You all are in our thoughts. My memories are few – but what I do remember will remain in my heart always. The most vivid one I have is being a flower girl in Auntie Pat & Uncle Jimmy’s wedding and how nervous I was. Uncle Jimmy – you were always fun to be around. You are at peace now and with your parents, sister and brothers. Give them all a big kiss for me.
Love your niece, Debbie.
Auntie Pat, Theresa and Jay & families: My condolences to you all. You all are in our thoughts. My memories are few – but what I do remember will remain in my heart always. The most vivid one I have is being a flower girl in Auntie Pat & Uncle Jimmy’s wedding and how nervous I was. Uncle Jimmy – you were always fun to be around. You are at peace now and with your parents, sister and brothers. Give them all a big kiss for me.
Love your niece, Debbie.
We were so sorry to read about Jim’s passing. We regret that we didn’t read the newspaper earlier so that we could have attended the service.
Jim was a true gentleman and a good friend.
We extend our deepest sympathies his family.