To Nona and Jim Durham, there are no strangers—only friends and neighbors they have yet to meet. Whether they are attending a Columbus Blue Jackets game, suiting up as Mr. and Mrs. Claus for families at the YMCA, or volunteering with local nonprofits, the Durhams find community and connection wherever they go.
“It's just fun. We love to give, ” said Nona. “We get so much joy back.”
Having grown up locally—Nona in Gahanna and Jim in Clintonville—the Durhams share a deep connection to the Columbus region. The couple met while working at State Savings Bank, which later merged with Fifth Third Bank. Nona then went on to work at The Arlington Bank, where she remained until the bank was acquired by another financial institution. Jim continued to work at Fifth Third Bank before joining the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, where he supported housing stabilization efforts following the foreclosure crisis in the late 2000s.
After retiring in 2017, Nona shifted her focus from career to community, dedicating her time to causes close to her heart, especially animal welfare. She now volunteers with Columbus Humane, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium—the goats, she said, are her favorite—and the Worthington Resource Pantry. During the holidays, she and Jim also wrap gifts for families at the Van Buren Center.
Jim dressed as the Easter Bunny during a recent produce giveaway at the North YMCA.
Jim, meanwhile, spent more than 20 years on the board of the North YMCA, including serving as its Chair. Today, he is a member of the Annual Giving Campaign committee, helping to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, can take part in the YMCA of Central Ohio’s programs. His connection to the organization began in childhood, when his father brought him and his twin brother to the Downtown YMCA to swim and play racquetball.
Decades later, Jim is known as the “heartbeat” of the North YMCA because of his willingness to go all in—whether that means fundraising, leading an early morning bootcamp class, or dressing as Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, or Spider-Man to surprise neighborhood kids. At a recent produce giveaway at the North YMCA, Jim—disguised as the Easter Bunny—greeted families with warmth and enthusiasm, turning an ordinary morning into something a little more joyful.
“Through Jim’s creative and energetic approach, he inspires everyone around him to give and engage,” said Tony Collins, CEO and President of YMCA of Central Ohio. “Together, the Durhams strengthen our entire community, expand access to programs, and ensure the YMCA of Central Ohio remains a place where people of all ages can grow in spirit, mind, and body.”
“Together, the Durhams strengthen our entire community, expand access to programs, and ensure the YMCA of Central Ohio remains a place where people of all ages can grow in spirit, mind, and body.”
— TONY COLLINS, CEO AND PRESIDENT OF YMCA OF CENTRAL OHIO
In 2018, following the advice of their financial advisor, Jeffrey Hedley of The Hedley Hoeger Group/Robert W. Baird, the Durhams established a Donor Advised Fund at The Columbus Foundation to make their giving more intentional and impactful.
Through the Jim and Nona Durham Fund, the couple generously supports organizations that have touched their lives, including the nonprofits they are involved with through their volunteerism. They also give to Jim’s alma mater, the University of Mount Union, as well as organizations serving people throughout central Ohio—Community Shelter Board, LifeCare Alliance, and Mid-Ohio Food Collective, to name a few.
Nona and Jim as Mrs. and Mr. Claus at a YMCA event for families. Photo courtesy of the Durham family.
Although the Durhams have always been community-minded, their giving has also been influenced by the generosity of others they’ve met through their service.
“We’ve had so many people as great examples,” said Jim, including the late William (Bill) Wells, whom Jim met through his involvement with the Buckeye Diamond Club, an organization dedicated to supporting The Ohio State University’s baseball program. Bill also served as President and Chair of the William H. Davis, Dorothy M. Davis and William C. Davis Foundation, a Supporting Foundation of The Columbus Foundation.
When it comes to giving back—whether through volunteer service, community building, or charitable giving—the Durhams’ advice is simple.
“If you can do it, do it,” said Nona. “Because it feels good.”