Jim Durham Dies at 65, Michael Jordan Expresses Grief

Famous American sportscaster Jim Durham passed away Sunday at his home in Tomball, Texas at the age of 65. He is survived by his wife, Helen, their three children, Patrick, Richard and Tracy and several grandchildren, said an ESPSN report.

Durham had been calling NBA Games on ESPN networks since 1996. He was the lead play-by-play announcer of ESPN, since the NBA program first began airing on the network. He was also the voice of Chicago Bulls for many years.

Last year, Durham was bestowed with the Curt Gowdy Media Award by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The award is in recognition of contribution of media personalities to the game of basketball.

Durham's final assignment for ESPN was last Tuesday's season-opener between Boston and Miami. He worked the game alongside long-time partner Jack Ramsay, according to the network.

Players of Chicago Bulls and members at ESPN expressed their deep condolence over the death of Durham.

Basketball behemoth Michael Jordan said that he would miss Durham.  "The voice of champions. I will miss him," he said, according to ESPNChicago.com.

"Jim was a respected play-by-play specialist who combined a tremendous gift for storytelling with a Hall of Fame voice. He's been a dedicated friend and a trusted teammate to so many at ESPN for two decades and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his wife Helen and the entire Durham family," said Mo Davenport, ESPN Senior Vice President and General Manager, ESPN Radio.

Durham also worked as sportscaster on television for NBA's Dallas Mavericks, besides serving as radio and television commenter for Chicago Bulls.