DENHAM SPRINGS — Former Denham Springs mayor Jimmy Durbin died Tuesday morning, current mayor Gerard Landry told WBRZ. He was 76.

"It's unfortunate that Jimmy died this morning. He has been a true public servant for the city of Denham Springs," Landry said. 

Durbin served as Denham Springs' mayor for three terms starting in 2002. During his time as mayor, Durbin was diagnosed with cancer in 2007 and received treatment. Prior to his time as mayor, he served on the City Council for 15 years.

Durbin's administration oversaw substantial water and treatment facilities changes, as well as seeing Denham Springs through a business boom — including bringing Bass Pro Shop to the city — and an influx of new residents and new housing.  He later served with Gov. John Bel Edwards as the co-chair of the Restore Louisiana Task Force.

"He brought us out of the dark ages and really made Denham Springs grow," Landry said. "He's probably one of the finest mayor's we've ever had."