A Life Story

Pamela Kay Dufrain Pamela Kay Dufrain, 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Pam, as she was lovingly known, was born in Kankakee, Illinois, on July 16, 1947. While home from college during Christmas break, she met the love of her life, James “Jim” Dufrain, while the two were working together at a toy store. They continued dating throughout their college years, and after Pam graduated from St. Norbert College with a degree in education, they were married on June 20, 1970. Together, they began what would become a lifelong journey filled with family, faith, education, and love. Shortly after their marriage, Pam and Jim moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where Jim was serving in the United States Air Force. During their time in Alaska, they welcomed their first two children, Jenny, born in 1972, and Rebecca, born in 1974. After Jim was honorably discharged from the Air Force, the family returned home to Kankakee in 1974. That same year, Pam began what would become a remarkable career in education. She taught until 1979, when she took a brief pause to focus on her growing family and welcomed her third child, Mark, that same year. She later returned to teaching in Catholic schools, where her passion for educating and nurturing young people continued to grow. In 1986, the Dufrain family made another life-changing move, settling in Savannah, Georgia, when a career opportunity brought Jim and the family to the South. It was in Savannah that Pam would eventually find what she considered her forever home: St. James Catholic School. Pam was nothing short of an extraordinary educator and administrator. Over the years, she touched the lives of thousands of students, encouraging them to believe in themselves and to become the very best versions of themselves. She was deeply dedicated to her school, her students, her family, her friends, and her Catholic faith. For Pam, education was never simply a career—it was a calling and a way to make a lasting difference in the lives of others. Her years of service and devotion were recognized in 2023 when the Catholic Church honored Pam with the Fideli Corde Award, one of the highest honors of her life and a fitting recognition of her many years of dedication and service. Above all else, Pam treasured her family. She and Jim were blessed with three children and three beloved grandchildren: Anna, Jackson, and Emma. Her children and grandchildren loved their mom and Memaw with all their hearts and know how fortunate they were to have been loved, guided, and nourished by such an extraordinary woman. Her influence will live on through them and through the countless students, families, friends, and members of her community whose lives she touched. Pam leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, compassion, and service. She will be deeply missed, but the lessons she taught, the lives she shaped, and the love she gave will continue to live on in all those who were fortunate enough to know her. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 19, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors in Savannah, Georgia. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 20, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Pam’s memory to St. James Catholic School. Pam’s greatest gift was the ability to make the people around her feel loved, encouraged, and cared for. Her family and all who knew her will carry that gift with them always.