Terry Durham (b. May 3, 1945) knew he loved being a referee when he was paid 25 cents per game as a middle school student in McMinnville. His assignment: working elementary school age games.

The multi-sport athlete and son of a legendary coach would eventually work 24 seasons at the highest level, the National Basketball Association.

Growing up in Yamhill County, sports was a year-round affair. Durham was a standout at Mac-High in football, basketball, and baseball.

After graduation, Terry excelled at the next level, playing the same three sports at Linfield College. Success at Linfield meant trips to national playoffs as well as the added pressure of playing football for his father. Paul Durham was the coach who started the Linfield streak of 65 consecutive winning seasons.

Football was Terry’s best sport; he would land tryouts in the NFL and played a year in the Continental Football League before beginning his own career as a coach and teacher.

That allowed him time to resume officiating high school games, college games, and summer camps. That would whet his appetite for a job in the pros.

Durham calls officiating the “perfect job” because of the pursuit of perfection, making the right call every time.

Terry got the call to the NBA in 1978 and was a fixture with a whistle until 2002.

The grind of long NBA seasons and relentless travel was rewarded with lifetime relationships with many coaches and players.

In retirement, Terry still watches a lot of basketball, is an avid reader and walker and enjoys time with his seven grandchildren.

Terry Durham is already a member of the McMinnville High School and Linfield Halls of Fame.