James Walter Durdel

Mattoon, IL-James Walter (Jim) Durdel, age 76, of Mattoon, IL, was taken to our Lord at 1:25 p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2009 with his loving wife by his side. He had been completing rehabilitation at Odd Fellow Rebekah Home in Mattoon, IL. \r\n\r\nJim was born December 29, 1932 to Walter and Allene (Clow) Durdel in Dorans, IL. He married Mona Gilmer on April 16, 1955 in Sigel, Illinois. Later, they moved to Arthur, IL, where Jim worked at Progress Manufacturing Company. His wife, Mona, taught eight grades at an Amish school there. During that time, they hosted country musicians that came to play at the county fair such as Ferlin Husky, Dottie West, and Red Sovine. \r\n\r\nJim was in a band known as 'Jim Durdel and the Drifters' that played all over central Illinois. He and Mona traveled to Nashville in 1956/57 where he appeared on the Ralph Emery Radio Show, and was invited backstage at the Grand Ole Opry. He recorded two 45's for Nashville Records, a division of Starday Records. He wrote three of the songs, 'Bright Lights Uptown', 'Another's Kisses', and 'Dreamin's a Lonesome Thing', and co wrote one song with Tommy Hill. 'Bright Lights Uptown' remains on radio station playlists around the country to this day.\r\n\r\nJim and Mona returned to Illinois and moved to the Neoga area and then to rural Cooks Mills. He worked at Oil Well, Blaw Knox, Firestone, and USI, Tuscola. Jim also worked as farm help, cemetery caretaker, and did woodwork on the side, all while continuing to play the music he loved. \r\n\r\nWhile Jim did not get to play the Grand Ole Opry, he did get to see his great niece Jamie and nephew Nick become the youngest performers at the Grand Ole Opry at the time. Jim inspired his family and others to love music and performing. He and his friends found a home for their sessions in the last few years at the Neoga Truck Stop. They would come together every few weeks to play and invited others to join in with them. The place was packed every session.\r\n\r\nJim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mona; their children: Crystal (Will) Coffin of Chenoa, Illinois; Tonya Durdel of Mattoon, IL; Jesse (Wendy) Durdel of Arcola, IL; and his 'special daughter', Melissa (JD McCain) Merritt of Oakland, IL; four loving grandchildren: Merritt Bennett and Sara, Allison, and Anna Durdel; a sister, June Sharp of Neoga, IL; a brother in law, Glenn (Linda) Schaefer; and two sisters in law, Marilyn (Paul) Rennels and Joan (Bill) Poorman. He was blessed with 22 nieces and nephews and a myriad of great nieces and great nephews, as well as their children, cousins, and more friends than he could count. He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Michael James Durdel; a brother in law, Norman 'Peg' Sharp; three nephews: Robin Rennels, Duane Sharp, and Rick Rennels; and a great niece, Jamie Sharp. \r\n\r\nJim's wish was to have a memorial service to celebrate his life and family. The memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 3:00 pm at St. John's Lutheran Church with Reverend Delton Nack, Reverend Bruce D. Osborn, and Reverend Troy A. Countryman officiating. Private Interment will take place at a later date. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938, is in charge of the arrangements. \r\n\r\nThere will be a musical gathering at the Neoga Truck stop on Saturday, June 20 in memory of Jim. The music will begin at 6 pm.\r\n\r\nJim served our country with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church.\r\n\r\nIn lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to his widow at First Mid-Illinois Bank of Mattoon. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com to light a virtual candle or share a memory with his family. \r\n

Tributes

James Walter Durdel

December 29, 1932 - May 30, 2009