James "Jimmy" Oliver Durant

Graveside services for James Oliver Durant, 72, of Llano, Texas, will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 23, 2021, at Rock Springs Cemetery with Bruce Sieffert officiating. Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, July 22, at Laird Funeral Home. 

James “Jimmy” Oliver Durant entered his Heavenly Home on Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Marble Falls, Texas, after courageously fighting the good fight with cancer. Jimmy was born on November 26, 1948, in Fairfield, Texas, to his loving parents, James and Mable Durant.

Jimmy grew up in the small town of Central Heights where he excelled at basketball and FFA and spent many hours fishing and hunting in the beautiful woods of East Texas. At the age of 19, Jimmy enlisted into the United States Army and swore his allegiance to defend and protect our great country. During this time, he earned many decorations and medals as a soldier in the Vietnam war; Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Service Star, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Rifle Marksman, Pistol Marksman, and Sharpshooter with M-60 Tank Weapons. Throughout his whole life, Jimmy was proud to be an American and serve his country. He became a Texas Forest Ranger after the Army for some time and ended his career by retiring as a Sheriff’s Deputy from Nacogdoches Sheriff’s Department. He was also a Third-Degree Master Mason of Milam Lodge No. 2 in Nacogdoches, Texas where he has been a member since 1972.

Jimmy was a God-Fearing man who loved The Lord with all his heart. He will be remembered saying that he was “dipped under the waters of the Southern Baptist Church and sprinkled with Holy Waters of the United Methodist Church” – he wouldn’t trade his faith for anything in the world. Jimmy taught his children to share the same pride for his country and God. He taught them how to fish and hunt, to love deeply and strongly, and to always maintain their faith in the Good Lord.  

In his later years, Jimmy became an avid gardener and thoroughly enjoyed getting his hands covered in soil and growing the biggest tomatoes so he could can them at home. He enjoyed woodworking as well and made many walking canes that he would gift to his family members. These canes have been held very dearly in their hearts and each has their own unique touch from Jimmy that will be cherished forever.

Jimmy is survived by his mother, Mable Durant; daughter, Cheryl Durant; sisters, Betty Durant-Sieffert and husband, Bruce, and Jean Durant-Bryant; grandchildren, Brad-Michael Barnes and Callie Barnes with their father, Brian Barnes, Kade Durant, and Madison Durant; special friend, Dyanne Stengel from Llano, Texas; and faithful dog, Sissy.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his father, James Lawrence Durant; and son, James Michael Durant.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Brad-Michael Barnes, Brian Barnes, Kade Durant, Jeff Harrell, James “Puddin” Eddings, Baker Clifton, and Joe Evans.

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