He was born November 14, 1937 in Andover, South Dakota, the son of the late Eugene and Cleone (Pew) Dursma.

James served his country during Vietnam in the U.S. Air Force, retiring at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant; and followed with employment in civil service at Wright-Patterson AFB, retiring after over 45 years of combined federal service.  

He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 526, VFW Post 6861, and Moose Lodge 1068, all of Fairborn; and his hobbies included bowling, darts, woodworking, puzzles, and reading.

He is survived by three children, Cathy (Stacey) Kinnin, James, Jr. (Amy Neuberger) Dursma, Jacqueline Garner; four grandchildren, Corey (Danyelle) Kinnin, Kelly (Alyssa) Kinnin, Derek Dursma, Steven Dursma; a great-grandson, Drew Kinnin; seven siblings, Ralph, Gerald, Sharon (Paul), Marla, Robert, Gloria, Linda; former wives, Phyllis Sievers, Betty Jean Dursma; special friends, Jeanie Beatty, Teresa (Geoffrey) Johnson and son, Jaxon Stacy; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.  

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday July 28, 2015 from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. in the Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, 422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn.  

Burial will be held in Tahoma National Cemetery near Seattle, Washington.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.  

Condolences may be made to the family at www.BeltonStroup.com.