Former Denham Springs mayor dies at 76

Sydney Simone
·1 min read

DENHAM SPRINGS, La. (BRPROUD) — In Livingston Parish, the flag is flying half-staff outside city hall in Denham Springs to honor a former mayor who recently passed away.

“He was just a great guy and a great friend,” said Denham Springs mayor Gerard Landry.

James “Jimmy” Durbin, the former mayor of Denham Springs, died from cancer on Tuesday morning at the age of 76.

“The nicest man you ever met, was an avid golfer, which I’m not. He loved everybody, was very kind and very gentle,” said Landry.

After sitting on the city council for 13 years, the former attorney served three terms as mayor. Durbin left office in 2014 to spend more time with his family while undergoing treatment.

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“For 25 years he was involved,” said Landry.

The husband and father was also known for bringing major companies to the area including the first sewer plant, Bass Pro and Sam’s Club.

“We met every Friday morning at IHOP across from right behind Home Depot. We had 7:00 meeting standing, and we sarcastically called it the mayor’s table,” said Landry.

Landry says Durbin took him under his wing. He calls Durbin the greatest mayor of Denham Springs.

“Most importantly, Jimmy was, was such a good man. And we’re obviously going to miss him, and I hope I can be half the mayor that he is. I really do,” said Landry.

No funeral arrangements have been set yet.

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