Farewell to voice of the Indians tonight at PN-G game

[IndianFan]

Farewell to voice of the Indians tonight at PN-G game
By AMY MOORE
October 22, 2010
Posted: October 22, 2010, 1:27 PM CDT Last updated: October 22, 2010, 1:38 PM CDT

PORT NECHES, TEXAS - Fans will bid farewell to James "Tip" Durham, the longtime voice of the Port Neches-Groves Indians, during a ceremony tonight to honor his commitment to the school.

Durham died Thursday. He was 77.

Durham, a 1951 Port Neches High School graduate, had been the voice of Indian football for more than 40 years.

His signature line "Bon soir mes a mi. Laissez les bon temps roulet" was how he introduced the Indian marching band at each game and he always wore his purple leather boots and purple cowboy hat, said Pat Briggs, student activities director at PN-G High School.

His failing health forced him to cut back his time announcing the football games last year and he only announced for the half time show.

He was not able to announce for any games this year, Briggs said.

Durham is survived by his wife, Charlotte, and son James "Tippy" Durham Jr.


Read the complete story in Saturday's print edition of the Beaumont Enterprise.

 

[IndianFan]

It may be asking too much to dedicate something like the press box in his name.

But it would be nice if the room where the game announcer sits could at least be called 'Tip Durham Room' and have a nice photograph of him hanging on the wall. Maybe even one with the boots and cowboy hat.

 

[pngdad8520]

It may be asking too much to dedicate something like the press box in his name.

But it would be nice if the room where the game announcer sits could at least be called 'Tip Durham Room' and have a nice photograph of him hanging on the wall. Maybe even one with the boots and cowboy hat.

I do not think that would be asking to much, and should happen !

 

[PNG NDN Fan]

It may be asking too much to dedicate something like the press box in his name.

But it would be nice if the room where the game announcer sits could at least be called 'Tip Durham Room' and have a nice photograph of him hanging on the wall. Maybe even one with the boots and cowboy hat.

+1

 

[pngmom4]

+2

 

[IBLEEDPURPLE]

+3

 

[ingainerYYZ]

plus 4

 

[61ndn-row46-50ydln]

Add me!

 

[ndn2006]

Me too! He was a PNG legend and always will be. He will be greatly missed.

 

[NDN79]

Add me to the list too. It would definitely be a worthy tribute!!

 

[NDN X]

I really assumed when they gave him his jacket that they would also announce that they were dedicating the new press box to him. I also believe it should be named after him.

 

[PNGROW4650YRDLN]

I think this is a great idea. Mr. Durham did not have the opportunity to spend most of his years in the new press box. However all of the games that he announced for at the Reservation were from that vantage point. In my opinion this is a must do and if possible it should be at the next home game against Central.

 

[IndianFan]

I think PNGISD is hesitant to memorialize individuals by naming buildings, etc.

 

[61ndn-row46-50ydln]

I think PNGISD is hesitant to memorialize individuals by naming buildings, etc.

I can understand being hesitant in come cases but this is one where I feel something in Tips memory is more than justified. I can't imagine one fan who would feel differently.

 

[PNG Proud]

That settles it! I'm grabbing my purple Sharpie and heading down there RIGHT NOW!

 

[PNGROW4650YRDLN]

That settles it! I'm grabbing my purple Sharpie and heading down there RIGHT NOW!

Go for it - if you need someone to hold the ladder while you write Tip's name above the door just post it here and I'm sure the stands will be full of ladder holders.