Obituary of James Graham Mangum

James Graham Mangum, age 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Durham on Monday, September 25, 2023. He was born on July 27, 1939, at Watts Hospital of Durham to parents James Monroe Mangum and Ruby Mae Mangum-Beaumont.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Joyce Marie Williams Mangum; sons, David Mangum (Amanda; children Isabelle, James, and Harry), Steven Mangum, and Will Mangum (Amy); granddaughters, Erin Mangum Hunt (Brice), Haley Mangum Jurrissen (Alex), and Lilyanne Mangum; and great-grandson, Lukas Jurrissen. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Barbara Jean Phillips.

James graduated from Durham High School in 1957. He was an avid tennis player, had a passion for sports cars, and was a loyal North Carolina Tar Heels fan. He was a man of many trades, most notably working as a general contractor and building numerous homes in southern Durham and Chapel Hill.

At the age of 56, James decided to follow his passion for medical science, becoming a licensed practical nurse in 1992. He continued to pursue his education and went on to graduate from North Carolina Central University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He served as a registered nurse at Durham Regional Hospital and Duke University Medical Center until his retirement in 2011.

At James’ request, services will be private. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family through Walker Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to be made to Duke HomeCare & Hospice in James’ name for their dedicated services.