Rev. James "Jim" Micheal Durner

The Reverend James “Jim” Micheal Durner, 74, of Havelock, North Carolina, having finished the work God gave him passed from this life on May 5, 2020, at Carolina East Medical Center.

Out of concern for the health and safety of family and friends during this time, a celebration of Jim’s life will be scheduled for later this year when everyone may safely attend.

A devoted husband and father, former US Marine Corps Master Sergeant, and retired United Methodist pastor, Jim Durner dedicated his life to serving others. Throughout his life he nourished people around him with love, faith and humor.

Jim was born in Iowa on December 9,1945 to Harold and Bernice Durner and raised with five siblings. He loved growing up in Iowa and proudly recounted stories of his childhood and “walking to school, up a hill, both ways, in a foot of snow” when his children complained about walking to school in the coastal region of North Carolina.

He left his beloved family and Iowa at the age of 17 to join the USMC serving his country for 20 years. While stationed in North Carolina, he met and married Janice (Sutton) Durner, his wife of 55 years, raising three children.

Following his retirement from the USMC, Jim answered the call to service once again, attending Duke Divinity School and entering into ordained ministry with the United Methodist Church. As pastor for his beloved North River and Strait churches, he faithfully served his God and community with love and compassion for 20 years.

Jim is lovingly remembered by his family who rejoice in his life and strength of faith. He is survived by wife, Jan Durner; children, Leah Menster and husband Chad, Gina Forehand and husband Cliff, and James Durner; grandchildren, Kyle Simcox and wife Elisa, Taylor and Jack Forehand, Megan Durner, Bo Menster; siblings, Diane Judd, Alice Barner and Jerry Durner and wife Mary.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Bernice Durner; and siblings Kenneth Carder and Judy Thompson.

In lieu of flowers, donations to your local charities or to North River and Straits United Methodist Churches in Jim’s memory would be greatly appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, N.C.