ESPN Radio NBA Announcer Jim Durham Dies At 65

Durham

Condolences to family, friends, and fans of longtime ESPN RADIO NBA play-by-play announcer JIM DURHAM, who died this weekend at his home in TOMBALL, TX at 65.

DURHAM, inducted into the NAISMITH MEMORIAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME in 2011 as that year's CURT GOWDY Media Award winner, joined ESPN in 1992 and called the network's national NBA radio broadcasts until last TUESDAY's season opener between the BOSTON CELTICS and MIAMI HEAT, working mostly alongside former PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS coach Dr. JACK RAMSAY.  He previously was best known as the longtime television announcer for the CHICAGO BULLS (1973-91) and also called DALLAS MAVERICKS games on TV (1993-2001); among his other assignments were stints as announcer for the CHICAGO WHITE SOX and HOUSTON ASTROS on TV and network chores for NBC, CBS, and TURNER SPORTS.

“JIM was a respected play-by-play specialist who combined a tremendous gift for storytelling with a Hall of Fame voice,” said ESPN RADIO SVP/GM MO DAVENPORT. “He’s been a dedicated friend and a trusted teammate to so many at ESPN for two decades and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his wife HELEN and the entire DURHAM family.”

“JIM was an extraordinary professional,” said Exec. Producer JOHN MARTIN. “His talent for calling NBA on radio in vivid, descriptive terms was unmatched. When JD was so deservedly recognized with the GOWDY Award, he had the Hall of Fame career to go along with his long established position as a Hall of Fame person. He was a sensational individual.”

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