James Kelly Durgin

Hollywood has been enjoying services of some of the best talents in the world. One such great talent was of Jim ‘Kelly’ Durgin. Until his death in 2011, Jim served as an excellent script supervisor in Hollywood having taken an active scripting role in more than 200 movies.
Early Life
Durgin, James Clayton “Kelly” was born in August 13, 1930 in Minneapolis, Minnesota as the oldest of Mae and James Durgin’s three sons. In his early life, Jim attended the Holly Cross Elementary School before proceeding to Foshay Junior High School. His interest in the arts led him to later join Manual Arts High School before making his way to Woodbury College and finally setting his feet in the Los Angeles City College in LA. His early education was majorly inspired by his love for art and that’s why he later found himself in Los Angeles.
His Service to the Nation
After completion of his studies, Jim served with the 40th Infantry Division in Japan. He was in the occupation troops in Japan. His bravery actions also helped him to develop acceptable morals that guided him in his later career in the film industry.
Start of His Career In Films
Soon after his return from Japan, Jim changed the course of career from active service in the military to the films. His entry into the film industry started as a photographer and editor. He also did quite a number of jobs in the film and television industry. Unlike other talented artists, Jim was willing to do any work in the film and television industry just for the purpose of experience.
The Epitome of Jim’s Career
Under his mother’s second marriage name, “Kelly”, Jim took part in acting as an extra in many films. Despite, engaging in such roles, Jim’s real niche was script supervision. He was an excellent script supervisor. In his long career, running over 50 years, Jim had supervised scripts of more than 200 movies in both the American and Canadian film industries. Some of his greatest works include script supervision in “The Jonathan Winters Show” series and “The Blob” movie.
He had 50 years experience in the film industry, 40 of which he was an instructor teaching script supervision, motion picture production and movie budgeting. He taught many producers, writers, actors, and movie makers as well as some of the top script supervisors in Hollywood.
Though Jim did not have a family of his own, he had such an exciting life that involved exploration of his hobbies that included shooting skeet and fishing.
In November 13, 2011, the shocking news of Jim’s death was received amidst great mourning of such a great talent in the film industry. Jim survived by his US Army, Retired, brother, Major George A. Durgin.