James J. Durkin Sr.

Aug. 2, 1935 - Oct. 31, 2020

James J. Durkin Sr. of Dover Plains, NY, passed away unexpectedly Saturday October 31, 2020, at home at the age of 85.

He was born August 2, 1935, in Mt. Kisco, NY son of the late William and Elizabeth (Vassak) Durkin. He graduated from Brewster High School in 1951. He joined the Marines and served in the Korean War. Jim was a Putnam County Sheriff’s Deputy for ten years; he served as a Brewster Village Police Officer for approximately seven years, then owned and operated a trucking business for a few years before joining the Teamsters Local 456 driving for Brewster Transit Mix. He retired in 2002. Jim was a member of the Brewster VFW Post 672. Jim was a longtime contributor to many funds and foundations.

Jim is survived by his sons Corrie Durkin and his wife Anne of Fishkill, NY, James Durkin Jr. of Danbury, CT; daughters Sheri Durkin of Patterson, NY and Judy McElroy and her husband Chip of Pawling, NY; brothers William Durkin of New Fairfield, CT and Robert Durkin of Bethel, CT; sister Shirley Folchetti of LaGrange, NY; grandchildren Corrie Jr. and Thomas Durkin, Johnny Klingner, Tralee McElroy and Riley Durkin and one great grandchild, and long-time companion Barbara Harris of Dover Plains, NY. He was predeceased by his wife Evelyn and grandson Ryan McElroy.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday November 7, 2020, at 10:00am followed by the interment at St. Lawrence O’Toole Cemetery in Brewster. Calling hours were held at Beecher Funeral Home, 1 Putnam Avenue, Brewster, NY, Friday November 6, 2020, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the Ryan McElroy Foundation or your local VFW, Wounded Warriors Foundation or the ASPCA.

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