James J. Duncan

James Joseph Duncan was born November 17, 1932, the son of James and Mary Duncan. He died at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital, Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at the age of eighty-three.
James grew up on a farm near Denison. He was baptized in Christ and confirmed in the Catholic Faith at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. He received his education in the Denison Community Schools where he was active in basketball and football and worked at the local bowling alley as a pin setter. He graduated with the class of 1952. After graduation, he worked at the Phillips 66 service station in Denison. April 6, 1953, James joined the U.S. Army. His training in the military included engineering school and served as a Combat Construction Specialist with the 498th Engineering Company. He was selected to attend the leadership academy in California and was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal. December 27, 1954, James was united in marriage to Marilyn Sorrell. He continued his military duties until his Honorable Discharge, June 30, 1955. James and Marilyn were blessed with the birth of six children.
After completing his military service, the couple returned to Iowa where he began his employment with Crouse Cartage Company. He trucked for the company until the late 60's. December 14, 1990, James was united in marriage to Linda Feser in Elk Point, South Dakota. He continued driving trucks for Farmland Foods in Denison until retiring December 22, 1991. During his working career, he drove more than a million miles accident free and was a member of the Million Mile Club. After officially retiring, he drove school busses for the IKM school district.
James enjoyed his family and was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. In his leisure time, he enjoyed golf and bowling, playing cards with family and friends, camping at Yellow Smoke or Cloud 9 in Caulfield, Missouri where they enjoyed their membership. Also riding his motorcycle or his ATV through streams, over rocks and trails and attending the biker rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. Relaxing on his front porch or in front of the TV with a good western that included such films as Walker, Texas Ranger, or a game show, his favorites being The Price Is Right and Vana White on Wheel Of Fortune. Some of his famous quotes include: “Still Kicking” if he was asked how he was doing or “Do You Smell Smoke” during a competitive card game or “where’s Bob,” referencing a cat named Robert. Nicknames for his kids included Guss, Tuffy, Freckles, Susie Q, Jo and Charlie.
James was preceded in death by his parents; grandchildren, Jeremy and Trevor; brothers-in-law, Lou and Curt. Survivors include his wife, Linda; five daughters: Ann and special friend, Larry; Lisa and husband, Lynn; Kathleen and husband, James; Susan and husband Stephen; Patricia; one son, Jason and wife, Laura; step-children: Paul and wife, Jeanne; Amy and husband, Frank; Karl and wife, Joanna; Beth; Carrie; JoAnn and husband, Chris; thirty-four grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; one brother, Louis and wife, Evelyn; four sisters, Mary of Storm Lake; Kathryn; Bernadine and husband, Don; Norene and husband, Phil; other relatives and many friends.