Jim Durham Dies: Voice Of NBA on ESPN Radio Passes Away At 65

Jim Durham, the voice of ESPN Radio’s NBA broadcasts, died Sunday at the age of 65.

The former broadcaster for the Chicago Bulls and Dallas Mavericks, Jim Durham died in his home outside Houston, ESPN reported. No cause of death was given.

Durham had been calling games on ESPN Radio since 1996, paired with longtime partner, Dr. Jack Ramsey. The pair were together to call Tuesday night’s season opener between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat, The Associated Press noted.

Before his work with ESPN Radio, Jim Durham was the voice of the Bulls from 1973 to 1991, calling the team’s first NBA Championship and the early years of Michael Jordan’s career.

Jim Durham also had experience in the booth at baseball games. He was the TV announcer for the Chicago White Sox in 1989-1990 and the Houston Astros from 1983-1985.

“Jim was a respected play-by-play specialist who combined a tremendous gift for storytelling with a Hall of Fame voice,” said Mo Davenport, ESPN Radio’s senior vice president and general manager. “He’s been a dedicated friend and a trusted teammate to so many at ESPN for two decades, and he will be greatly missed.”

John Martin, ESPN executive producer, radio remotes, who frequently worked with Durham, said the announcer was a true professional.

“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.”

During his career, Jim Durham also worked for NBC, CBS, and Turner Sports.