John Durden

Meet Big John Durden

For more than 25 years, I have had the privilege of helping families, individuals, and business owners protect what they’ve worked hard to build.

I’m Big John Durden, your local State Farm Insurance Agent serving Longview, Texas, and communities throughout East Texas. Since opening my agency in April 2000, my mission has remained simple: treat every customer like family and help them prepare for both the expected and unexpected moments in life.

Family is at the heart of everything I do. My wife and I have been married for more than 36 years, and together we have raised four children. Being a husband, father, and provider has given me a deep appreciation for the importance of protecting the people we love most.

Long before my insurance career began, I learned valuable life lessons on the football field. As a member of the University of Florida football team, I earned All-SEC honors and had the opportunity to block for future Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith. During my senior season, I received the prestigious Fergie Ferguson Award, recognizing leadership, character, and courage. Those experiences taught me that success is built on preparation, teamwork, integrity, and commitment to others—values that continue to guide me every day as an insurance agent.

Before opening my agency, I spent eight years working as an insurance adjuster and manager. That experience allowed me to see insurance from a different perspective. I sat across the table from families after car accidents. I worked with homeowners recovering from fires, storms, hail damage, and wind losses. I witnessed firsthand how the right coverage can make a difficult situation more manageable when life doesn’t go according to plan. Because of my background, I don’t just help people buy insurance—I help them understand how coverage works when they need it most.

Today, my team and I proudly serve customers throughout East Texas with Auto Insurance, Home Insurance, Life Insurance, Renters Insurance, Business Insurance, Pet Insurance, Farm & Ranch Insurance, Classic Car Insurance, Off-Road Vehicle Insurance, Personal Articles Policies, and Personal Liability Umbrella coverage. Whether you prefer to meet in person, talk on the phone, text, email, or start online, we’re committed to making insurance simple, personal, and convenient.

Why I Believe So Strongly in Life Insurance

Of all the conversations I have with customers, life insurance may be the most important.

Many years ago, a young mother in our neighborhood was tragically killed in an automobile accident. She and my wife were friends, and their children often played together. Just three months before her passing, she purchased a term life insurance policy through my agency. Nothing could ever replace a wife, mother, daughter, or friend. But because she had planned ahead, her family received financial support when they needed it most.

That experience left a lasting impression on me. Life insurance isn’t really about death. It’s about love, responsibility, and protecting the dreams of the people who depend on you. Whether your goal is paying off your home, sending your children to college, protecting your business, retiring comfortably, or simply providing security for your family, I want to help you create a plan that supports those goals. My team and I would be honored to help you manage the risks of everyday life and help you protect what matters most.

Welcome to our agency. We look forward to serving you.