Rev. James L. Duirden Sr.

December 1, 1935 - December 20, 2018

Services for Rev. James L. Duirden,83, of Lufkin will be held Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 2:00 a.m. in the Greater Shiloh Baptist Church,1519 Williams St., Lufkin, TX. Burial will follow in the Davis Memorial Gardens. Visitation is Friday from 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. at Colonial Mortuary. Bishop James L. Duirden Sr. age 82, a great man, loving husband and father passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, December 20, 2018. He was born on December 29, 1935 in Livingston, TX to the late Jimmie Lee Bogany and Henry L. Duirden Sr. On September 21 , 1954, he married Claudlene Matts-Duirden. Together, they successfully raised 13 children (7 sons and 6 daughters). James and Claudlene founded the Upper Room Pentecostal Holiness Organization where he faithfully served as Bishop, dedicating his life and service to the work of our Lord until the time of his earthly departure. In addition, James and Claudlene enjoyed traveling together as well as spending time with family and friends. On any given summer day, you could find him at the Texaco on Timberland Dr. selling watermelons and offering wisdom and advice. He was most notably known however, for his unwavering faith in God, infectious smile, and his stylish shoe and suit wardrobe. Often being called the best-dressed preacher in Lufkin. James's spirit is carried on by his wife of 64 years, his 13 children, a host of grandchildren, great-grands, two surviving siblings and an extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 2:00 at Greater Shiloh Baptist Church, 1519 Williams St. Lufkin TX. Interment immediately following at Davis Memorial Gardens. Repass will be held at Upper Room Pentecostal Holiness Church 2301 Paul St. Lufkin, TX