Jim Duran is a lifelong resident of the City of Ventura and is currently the leader of three very successful nonprofits that serve the marginalized and under resourced.
Jim began his career in the restaurant industry and at the age of 23, became the General Manager of Casa Maria Mexican Restaurant, owned by Host/Marriott. At the age of 25, he was recruited by Sbarro LLC as a District Manager in Northern California. After four successful years, Jim returned to Ventura.
Upon his return, Councilmember Duran worked as a quality control supervisor and product development manager for a local cannery, the old Las Palmas Chili Factory. At the same time, Jim helped his aunt start a house cleaning business, which he eventually owned, operated, and sold. Jim became the administrator of a local senior living community and in 2010, The California Assisted Living Association selected Jim as “Executive Director of the Year”.
In 2004, Jim and his team planted The River Community Church, where he serves as the Senior Pastor. He also serves as the Executive Director of Tender Life Maternity Home and The City Center Transitional Living. Jim has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies and a Master of Arts Degree in Theology from Channel Islands Bible College and Seminary.
Jim has been honored with: The Golden Triangle Award, one of The Ventura Family YMCA’s most prestigious awards. He was honored with the “Hometown Hero” award and “Ventura’s Citizen of the Year” by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, he received the “Heroes Among Us” award from the Ventura Police Community Foundation; in 2020, the first ever Legacy Award from the City of Ventura; and in 2022 the “Outstanding Servant Award” from the Salvation Army.
Jim is past Chairman of the Board for the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and The Ventura Family YMCA. He is past Vice President of the Ventura Buccaneer Youth Football organization. He served as the Co-Ministerial Chair for the NAMI Walk and Co-Chair for the Measure “O” Campaign. Jim also chaired the Ventura Chamber’s Political Action Committee for two election terms. Jim and his wife, Pam, serve on the board of MarriageWell, a non-profit organization that provides support for couples to achieve excellence in their marriages. He is actively involved with solving the homeless crisis in Ventura County by partnering with the Downtown Ventura Partners and being involved with the Ventura Social Service Task Force.
Jim and Pam have been married for over 30 years and have six children, two daughters-in-law and four incredible grandchildren. Jim’s passion is to serve his community and to be a blessing to his neighbors through partnerships and collaboration.