James Oden Durbin

James O. Durbin, 97, of Unionville, MO, passed away at the Putnam County Care Center in Unionville on Monday, March 11, 2019.

James Oden Durbin was born in northern Putnam County, MO, on March 10, 1922, the son of Benjamin Edward and Laura Belle (Wolfe) Durbin who preceded him in death. At an early age James was nicknamed “Billy” by his cousin Nora Ballard, and was known by that nickname to many of the older generation of family members. He attended the Brown and Waite schools and attended Union Church. James graduated from Unionville High School in 1942. He helped neighboring farmers after high school, including Carl Spence. James was drafted in military service on January 29, 1946, at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. He received basic training at Camp Robinson, AR, and then was stationed at Camp Carson, CO, before being sent to serve with the Occupation Forces in Tokyo, Japan in 1946-47. While in Japan his duties included working as an auto mechanic on jeeps and other military equipment. James was Honorably Discharged on August 15, 1947.

James went to work at Maytag Company in Newton, IA upon returning home. He married Reva Jane Smith on January 10, 1953, and she survives at home. James also worked for Elbert Staggs hauling rock, at Campawhile in Centerville, IA, and at Banquet Foods in Milan, MO, until retiring in 1984. James and Reva had purchased a farm north of Lemons and lived there over 60 years. James farmed while he worked at Banquet Foods.

In addition to his wife, James is survived by four children: Jimmie (Janie) Durbin of Unionville, MO; Janet (Jack) Goodin of Princeton, MO; Joe Durbin of Kirksville, MO; and Jerry (Lisa) Durbin of Chillicothe, MO. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, as well as nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by three sisters: Myrtle Jean Durbin, Bonnalee Durbin, and Olive Mullenix (and husband Lorraine Mullenix); as well as two brothers, Everett Durbin (and wife Mary Durbin) and Edward “Red” Durbin.

Funeral services for James Durbin will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 16. Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Friday, march 15. Interment will be at the Unionville Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Union Church Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.