James Henry Durfee 7/19/1928 - 9/24/2020

James H. Durfee passed away on September 24, 2020 with his family by his side. He was born in Auburn on July 19, 1928.Jim lived his 92 years to their fullest, exploring the canyons and rivers, fishing in the streams and lakes, hiking and hunting. He loved Northern California and especially Auburn, where he lived most of his life.Jim was a natural athlete and enjoyed endless hours playing tennis, snow skiing, water skiing and playing table tennis. He competed in gymnastics and ski jumping during his high school days at Placer High School."Durf" as he was known to his many friends, had a wonderful sense of humor and played numerous pranks over the years. He was a great storyteller and was still able to recount memories of his youth even in his 90's.Jim had a very successful 40-year career with the State of California, Department of Mental Health and worked at DeWitt, Sonoma, Napa and Stockton State Hospitals before retiring in 1989.He was married to his high school sweetheart Barbara (Taffy) Kirk for 29 years. They remained lifelong friends.He is preceded in death by his daughter Lonnie Durfee and is survived by his son James W Durfee (Peggy) of Loomis, his daughter Leslie Krymer (Gary) of Oceanside, and his daughter Linda Angel (Chris) of Loomis, as well as 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.In Lieu of flowers, please donate to the Placer Land Trust.