April 29, 1930 - September 6, 2018
James Robert (Jim) Duncan was born April 29, 1930 in the Castor Hospital. Jim passed away at age 88 on September 6, 2018 in Stettler. He was the 11th of 12 children born to Harry and Sicelia Duncan. Jim married Elsie Schilling on April 24, 1953 and together they loved, laughed and worked very hard on the Duncan family farm south of Halkirk, raising their family of four children, Gwen, Randy and Ross (twins) and Murray. Jim farmed with his brother Donald, and together, with help from the families and a lot of hard work they ran a successful farm known as Duncan Brothers. Many great memories will be cherished from the years on the farm between the two families.
Since Jim and Elsie lived on the original Duncan farm, their home was quite often the gathering spot for all the brothers and sisters to bring their families to meet for special occasions, like Christmas and Easter. Many impromptu Christmas concerts and lots of reminiscing was enjoyed in the living room and kitchen, always followed by a delicious meal for everyone.
Family was a big part of Jim's life. He was also very community minded and was an active member of the Halkirk Elks and was also a delegate for the Alberta Dairy Association. He enjoyed dancing, curling, and snowmobiling. In 1979 when they sold the farm, Jim and Elsie bought a motor home and moved to Stettler. It was during this time that they got to relax a little and enjoyed travelling and camping and fishing with their good friends, the Johnsons, Davises and Berrys. Playing the organ was a favorite pastime for Dad. Dad (Gramps) enjoyed many rounds of golf with his family and friends. In the winter, Dad and Mom made many trips to watch the "Calgary Flames" in the Saddledome.
Dad (Gramps) will be lovingly remembered by his sons, Ross (Karen) Duncan; Murray (Linda) Duncan; son-in-law, Larry Jeske; sisters-in-law, Irene Duncan and Doreen Ortwein; grandchildren: Steve (Christy) Jeske, Sherri (Shaun) Bollinger, Ryan (Carleen) Jeske; Derek (Rhonda) Duncan, Heather (Darren) MacMillan, Dallas Duncan; Michelle (Richard) Bonin, Dustin (Ashley) Duncan; Tyler (Jenn) Duncan, Tanner (Michelle) Duncan; 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He is now reunited with his wife Elsie, daughter Gwen, and son Randy, his parents, Harry and Celia and all his brothers and sisters: Beattie, Peggy, Edwin, Sis, Toots, Fern, Jean, Alec, Donald, baby Mary, and Harry.
A celebration of Jim's life was held Tuesday, September 11, 2018 in the Heartland Chapel at the Stettler Funeral Home. Thanks to Bernie Doan for the touching service and to Cathy Schaffner for the beautiful music. Also, thanks to Teresa's Catering for preparing and serving the lunch after the service. Interment was held at the Halkirk Cemetery.
On behalf of Jim's family, we wish to express our deepest gratitude for your many thoughts, hugs and prayers. Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Paragon Place and Points West for the care given to Jim over the past years. Also, thank you to the staff, nurses, and Dr. du Toit of the Stettler Hospital for caring for Jim in his final days.
A special thank you to Corinne Adair and staff of the Stettler Funeral Home. Your kindness and compassion is appreciated very much. The family would like to sincerely thank everyone for the food, flowers, cards, and donations.
Donations in Jim's memory may be made to a charity of your choice, c/o Stettler Funeral Home who have been entrusted with the care and arrangements, P.O. Box 1780, Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L0, 403-742-3422
Lovingly remembered,
Ross & Karen and Family
Murray & Linda and Family
Randy's Family
Larry Jeske and Family
FAMILY where LIFE begins and LOVE never ends