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James Duke Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
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Jay Lamb
March 22, 2011
I just learned this past week that Jimmy had passed away. While I roomed with Jimmy for a year and a half in college and hung around with him at Tech for four years I have only seen him once or twice over the past 40 years. However he made such an impression on me that he has become a part of my college lore and my own kids know him through the stories I have told about such as the flooded freshman hall Jimmy surfed on (and whacked his head) and the turtle that lived under our bunks. The time I visited him (maybe 1979?)he didn't know it but he helped me to decide on a major career change. I am very sorry he is gone. The world is a little less happy without him.
Rod Cox
November 19, 2008
I feel lucky too that I knew Jimmy, although it was only for a few short months. My wife Vicki and I spent some valuable time with Jimmy and Marion in chemo at St. Vincent's hospital. In that context Jimmy made everyone feel comfortable with his easy wit and his instinctive empathy, and for us he offered friendship. Despite his own situation, Jimmy always focused on the people around him and their feelings. I don't think I have ever found a person of such generous friendship. I miss him.
Victoria Cox
November 17, 2008
My husband and I met Jimmy and Marian in the chemo room and became fast friends, not just because we were in the same boat, but because my husband and Jimmy had so much in common starting with having gone to Virginia Tech. I am already missing seeing Jimmy on my chemo days. His smile always helped my spirits. I loved listening to his stories and it helped me to know that my husband, who comes to every treatment, had a friend to talk to during our sessions. I am really going to miss him and Marian coming around, but it is better for them that they do not have to go the the 8th floor chemo room anymore. It can be a sad place at times. My heart goes out to you Marian who fought the battle just as strongly as Jimmy and who is missing him terribly I'm sure. Please take care and know we are thinking of you every day. Love from Vicki and Rod
Jimmy-Boy and Tommy-Boy
Tommy Cooke
November 9, 2008
I have known Jimmy for a very long time. Many people talked about the stories that Jimmy would tell, well to say the least, I have plenty to tell about him and I. In fact, there are so many because Jimmy and I always had a good time when we would go out.
We had our own special fun when we were together. I hope all the people in Richmond who met Jr. Duke Jr. The Country Western Music star are still looking for his name on that music label. Jimmy knew how to act after I had introduced everyone that he was a Up and Coming music star. The funny part was…. Many asked for his autograph and Jimmy was more than happy to sign his name on all those wet napkins, which were handed to him.
Next to Carpentry, he loved going to the movies. We have seen countless movies together or he was also come over the house to watch them with me. I also enjoyed the fun days when he and I were much younger as he and I would sneak into the movies so we could watch several in one day.
After returning from Los Angeles, I worked with Jimmy for 8 years part-time. We were in no rush, and we had fun working together. I had a lot to learn about carpentry, and Jimmy had all the time in the world to show me how. We always took lunch at 1p, so we could watch our favorite soap opera on TV; All My Children.
Jimmy to me was a special friend. He was there for me even when he was sick after my mother has passed last year. I could always call Jimmy and regardless of what he was doing, we would spend over an hour talking on the phone… and much of the time, it was talking about nothing but just enjoying each others’ company and conversation. But most of all, I knew I could talk to Jim as a close friend. I knew I could ask him for his opinion and he would share his thoughts. However, most important… even if we disagreed, Jim would always support me, and my decision.
I have known Jimmy since I was 5 and I cannot tell you how many tears I have shed in the past year and since his death, because I have always consider Jim as a close and special friend of mine. I DO have a lifetime of fun memories and many wonderful photographs in which I took of him over the many years.
When I talked with Jim the day before he passed, we only talked for about 15 minutes. I could tell that he was not doing well, and I had a sense, it would be my last after hanging up. However, I do know that Jimmy showed us all, the courageous and gallant battle in his effort to fight this disease for the past 14 months.
Jimmy’s body may have given up, but his mind and spirit did not as it was as bright as it was 57 year ago when I first met him on Brookside Rd. I was his first friend and he was mine…. From that day forward, we did become friends for life. I will truly miss you Jimmy-boy.
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Bill & Courtenay Snovell
November 7, 2008
We've known Jimmy for over 30 years and sharing time with him enriched our lives. He was a warm and very generous spirit who was always a pleasure to be with.
Linda Hawkins
November 6, 2008
While I had only known Jimmy Duke briefly, he was one of the most interesting men I have ever met. He was witty and fun and completely grounded. Plus, he was a true artist when it came to carpentry. He loved my favorite place in the world-Nags Head-and created a special place for he and Marian to retreat to. He will be missed by all who knew him, but none more than my friend, Marian. Our prayers are with her and their families.
Michael and Linda Hawkins
Dara Woodrum
November 6, 2008
Jimmy Duke was such a wonderful person. So funny and laid back. My heart goes out to Marion and Jimmy's family. I hope that the day comes quickly that you can think of him with a smile on your face and not feel such greif. God Bless.
Dara Woodrum and family.
Linda Snyder
November 6, 2008
Jimmy Duke was one of a kind. Part good ole' boy, part ex-hippie, all heart, with an avidly curious mind and a fabulous gift for gab. A man who truly marched to his own drummer, there will never be another like him. All who knew him were lucky. We hadn't seen Jimmy Duke in many years, but hearing of his passing leaves a hole in our hearts. Our thoughts are with Marian and we share in her grief.
Linda and Terry
Jean Wightman
November 6, 2008
If ever there was someone who could truly light up a room by just walking in, it was Jimmy Duke! He was indeed everyone's best friend. My heart goes out to Marion and Jimmy's family. We are all blessed to have had our lives touched by the fabulous Jimmy Duke!
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