James E. Dureka

James “Jim” E. Dureka, age 75, unexpectedly passed away on April 14, 2026 at Reading Hospital. He was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania on November 12, 1950 to the late Samuel and Eva (Hatchel) Dureka. He is preceded in death by 3 brothers, Samuel Dureka, John Dureka, Vince Dureka, and 1 sister, Doris Dureka.

James is survived by his wife Tami Dureka (London); 3 sons, Samuel Trusik, Derek Dureka, and Jesse Dureka (Katie Scheidt); 1 grandchild, Griffith Dureka; sister, Jane Burke (Norman “Chick”); 2 nephews and 2 nieces, Chris Burke, Robert Burke, Karen Schlegel (Andy), and Christine Dureka Holland (Ken).

In addition to being a loving husband, devoted father, committed brother, and affectionate G-Pop, Jim was a self-employed general contractor who ran his company for over 50 years. His construction talents were on display throughout the region including the horse farm that he and Tami proudly made their own for the past 34 years. With a devotion to his craft, Jim constructed homes and additions that housed memories for those that resided in them and created the literal foundation for small businesses to operate and create a livelihood for their owners. He took great pride in his trade and was working until his last day with us . . . truly a labor of love.

Known to many as a fun-loving, generous, and loyal person, Jim was ALWAYS up for a conversation and VERY willing to share his sage advice as there NEVER was a question about where he stood on a topic - often flashing his trademark smirk after delivering a sly retort. A member of the Reading Motorcycle Club, he would donate his time making repairs at the clubhouse and volunteering for the group’s annual bash.

Jim could often be seen riding one of his motorcycles or taking his Corvette out for a drive with the top down. Not one for traveling abroad, Jim most enjoyed laying in the sun by the pool after a hard day’s work, going out for a nice dinner with his wife and friends, innocently telling people (mostly his sons) how there was a better way to do whatever it was they were doing, wrestling with his grandson, hosting a party at the house, or dozing off watching TV with his canine companions.

“Jimbo” will be dearly missed by his family, friends, co-workers, customers, vendors, and the random people he started conversations with while waiting in a line.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation to pay their respects on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 from 10:00am to 11:00am followed by a service at 11:00am at Szpindor-Meyers Funeral Home, P.C. 101 N. Park Ave, Trooper, PA 19403. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Bikers Against Child Abuse ( www.bacaworld.org/) or Viola Valley Dogs, Inc. (PayPal - violadogs@yahoo.com or Venmo @Linda-Coursey-3).

Arrangements entrusted to Szpindor-Meyers Funeral Home, P.C.

Condolences may be made by visiting www.meyersfh.com.