First of all I pray  to god for Prof..Durig soul should take a rest in peace in god's feet.. 

In my doctoral study, he is a non-forgettable person.. He evaluated my doctoral thesis and given her valuable comments with fantastic, caring and loving manner..  

In my life,  he is an unforgettable person...  RIP Prof. Durig.  


Doug, Bryan, and Stacey, 
I found out about Jim's death only recently and am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a remarkable man whose influence was felt by every student that had the good luck of being able to work for him. I know that I was and his loss is truly felt. 
I had the distinct honor of being the first student that signed up to work for him after his arrival at USC in 1962. After people got to know him it was thought that the other professors in the department would never get another student. He was that popular. 
Jim was a strong and positive influence in my life not only while at USC but in the years that followed as well. Every chance I got to catch up with him was always a pleasure and always interesting. His stories were legendary as was any trip in the old Dodge with him. 
We were lucky to have had him in our lives and certainly  you all must feel the same. 
My best regards,
Jim Willis

Jim was unique.  He and Marlene worked relentlessly, and made a positive difference in many lives, including mine.  

Some may not be aware that Jim came from humble origins in rural Pennsylvania.  As I recall it, his stepfather ran a dairy and Jim worked very hard there in childhood.  How likely was it that he would end up graduating from MIT and become one of the World's most highly recognized molecular spectroscopists?  

I remember another side of Jim--He was willing to accept a student of questionable work ethic and maturity, and give him a chance to grow up and better himself.  That chance turned out to be one of the most important in my life. 

Jim's family should be very proud of him and his accomplishments.  My sincerest condolences. 

Thank you, and rest in peace Jim.    Bill Green (USC PhD 1967) 

My deepest sympathy to all of Dr. Durig's family.

Dr. Durig’s leadership and scientific legacy shines as bright as the sun. His mentorship resulted in developing excellent careers for his graduate students, of which I am one. There are a great deal of good memories with Dr. Durig and Marlene, I could fill a book with them and still only scratch the surface. One was around Christmas in 1996, a few weeks after my arrival from Egypt, Dr. Durig requested to speak with me privately in the lab. I was wondering what I did, when shortly after he opened his wallet and gave me $200 because he had sensed that I needed the money. Also, Marlene gave me a hat and a scarf because I was underdressed for such a cold winter. Both Dr. Durig and Marlene had truly good hearts.

You both will be always remembered 

Rest in peace.

Yasser Nashed


Dear Doug, Bryan and Stacey, grandchildren and brothers,

My deepest sympathy to all of Jim's family.  On behalf of all of us at W&J who grew to love both Jim and Marlene over the years.  I was 
privileged to spend time with both in Kansas City and here on campus when they would visit with their "pups".  We became so close and loved hearing stories of their worldwide travels.  From humble beginnings to remarkable lives, they never forgot their western PA roots.  (Ironically my mom also graduated from Claysville).  You all were blessed with the BEST!  I miss them both.
Susan Rush Kepler, W&J class of '74


When people ask me what graduate school was like, I tell them it was Hell's Kitchen and Dr. Durig was Gordon Ramsey.  He was passionate, highly intelligent, the only person I have known with an eidetic memory, competitive, pushed you to be your best, but most of all he cared for the success of his students.  In the beginning, you were pushed to be successful.  The more growth you needed, the harder he pushed.   At times in the beginning, that could be hard but it made you want to try harder.  I am truly grateful for the opportunity he gave me.  He was an amazing person to know and I am glad I was given this opportunity.  I am glad you are with Marlene now!

OBITUARY

Dr. James Robert Durig

April 30, 1935 – January 7, 2020

Dunbar Funeral Home (Devine)

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services