James Russell ("J.R., "Russ", "Russell", "Grampie") Durrant, passed away on July 9, 1996, at the age of 82.

Born July 27, 1913 in Thatcher, Idaho to Lorenzo James Durrant and Agnes Priscilla Lewis.

Preceded in death by his brother and sisters, Lorenzo Dean Durrant, Donna Durrant (Sorenson), and Madolyn Durrant.

Survived by sister, Dorothy Durrant (Larsen) and William Stanford Durrant.

Russell grew up in Provo, and played football in school.

A member of the BYU Cougar Club, he has remained a loyal Cougar fan throughout his life.

On Sept. 28, 1936 he married June McEwan, who preceded him in death on February 5, 1991. They were sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple October 4, 1954, and raised a beautiful family: son, David Russell, married to Paula Drayton and two daughters, Deborah, married to LeGrand McOmber, and Nanette, married to Lloyd N. Campbell.

He has a loving posterity of 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

For many years he ran the food concessions at the City and County Building and the Continental Bank Building. He also operated the Foothill Grill for several years.

A devoted member of the LDS Church, he served 20 years as a worker in the Salt Lake Temple. He and his wife served a mission in a downtown Salt Lake City ward. Russell had a fine singing voice, and was a faithful member of the Monument Park 11th ward choir many years.

Russell quietly endured many trials in his life. He will be remembered by those who loved him for his honesty and uprightness, his sense of humor, deep faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and complete trust in the Lord.

Funeral will be Saturday, 12 noon, at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 So. Highland Dr., where friends may call from 10:45-11:45 a.m. prior to services.

Interment, Wasatch Lawn.

Published in the Deseret News on July 11, 1996