Jacob Javan Durham (April 14, 1849 – December 11, 1920) was an American minister, educator, debater and orator, and the founder of a college.

He held the pastorate for eighteen months when he resigned and attended a school in Greenville Court House, continuing to work on Saturday's and during the summers.

In October 1883, Durham was appointed by the American Baptist Publication Society to lead the groups efforts in South Carolina.

He was also elected corresponding secretary and financial agent of the Baptist Education Missionary and Sunday School Convention in South Carolina.

[2] He held the position of financial agent for eight years, at which point he moved to Savannah, Georgia to take the pastorate at the Second Baptist Church there.

[13] Durham was made chairman of the Board of Trustees and did substantial work to fundraiser for the creation of Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina,[14] which opened in 1908.

[16][17] During World War I, Durham supported allowing African Americans to serve in the Army at all service levels.