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J. Duckett Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for J. Duckett
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Shari L Tuggle
November 22, 2020
I cheered for the Houston oilers from 81-86 and did many other events where he was announcing. Thank you for all you've done for our community.
. .
October 24, 2007
He was the best history teacher in all of Houston...I'll miss him
September 9, 2007
Never before have I felt such affection in so few words. He had a way of speaking to you that made it seem as if only you existed. Words can never convey how much we have lost with his passing.
Dave Lubeski
August 3, 2007
J. Fred was my friend and colleague. He was also my insurance man. When I last spoke with him he told me about the joy he experienced in teaching kids. I enjoyed J.Fred's P.A. work. Once in the Astrodome my radio station softball team played an exhibition against the King and His Court. I'll never forget how the hair stood up on my neck when J.Fred bellowed out my name when I came up to bat. I left Houston in 1974, but saw J.Fred again in '76 at the Montreal Olympics. I was assigned to track and field coverage one day and there was J.Fred. I was a bit ovewhelmed by all the competition taking place at once. He sat with me and knew everything that was going on. He helped me sort it out and saved my bacon that day. I saw him again at the '84 Olympics in L.A. We kept in touch periodically after that. He was one of a kind and if you knew J.Fred, you knew you had a friend.
Alison Lee Ravenna
August 2, 2007
He was always a part of my father and mother's life (skip and Mary Louise Lee) as well as a part of ours. I remember him as I was growing up, what a funny man. My parents are both gone as well but Petra remember the good times and the positive roll he played in everyones life that he came in contact with.
Kennon Parsons
July 19, 2007
I've never looked forward to going to a history class before I had Mr. Duckett as a teacher. I was fortunate enough to be in his class for both my 10th and 11th grade years and I have never learned so much in a history class prior to that. He was a wonderful teacher and person. Awty will not be the same without him.
Miranda de Vries
July 15, 2007
Petra,
Gecondoleerd met het verlies van je vader. Ik heb hem leren kennen als een bijzondere man, die absoluut een zwak had voor de Nederlandse leerlingen op Awty. Voor velen van hen en voor mij heeft hij de overgang naar de school makkelijker gemaakt! Ik zou je graag een persoonlijker bericht sturen, maar kan nergens je adres achterhalen. Voor nu wens ik je veel sterkte met alles.
Liefs,
Miranda de Vries
Petra Cochran
July 11, 2007
My husband, daughter and I would like to thank you all for the kind words and wonderful memories. Sean and I have wondered how we will let our daughter know what kind of people her maternal grandparents were. These entries will help tell about her "Opa" (Dutch for grandpa).
Thank you very much, Petra Cochran
Thomas Lightfoot
July 4, 2007
I Have many fond memories of Fred J.Fred trying to make a decent announcer out of me. A majestic voice and a great man has been silenced
Pegeen Crockett
July 2, 2007
J. Fred was one of a kind. He was a kind man who had a gentle spirit but a booming voice. He was funny, fair, and truly interested in the kids he came into contact with. I'll miss his dancing in cross country next year. Miss C
Perry Ruthven
July 2, 2007
I was fortunate to know Mr. Duckett as well as attend countless events at Rice Stadium, the Astrodome among other sporting events where his incredible sound and art of announcing were on display.
J. Fred had a remarkable sense of timing in his delivery that would often create an indelible memory of an event.
One announcing moment has especially stuck with me for the last 30 years. In 1976, J. Fred called the game, at Rice Stadium, between Rice & Texas. With Earl Campbell leading the Longhorns, Rice was pretty well had that evening. However, J. Fred made the experience forever memorable with a call following a play that featured a run up the middle by Campbell...
"Earl Campbell meets CORNEEEEELIUS WALKER!.....(long pause).......LOSS OF 2 YARDS!
No, there weren't ever going to be opportunities for that type of call, and sensing it all in a stream of consciousness, J. Fred seized the moment with perfection
Thanks for the memories J. Fred.
Dan Remick
July 2, 2007
J. Fred Duckett was an inspiration to me at St. Johns. No matter how many meter sticks he went through, the combined total would never have measure up to the character and education received by the students who were fortunate enough to have had him as a leader, teacher, and friend. His shoes were large and he filled them as a gentleman and a scholar. J. Fred will be missed; but, he knew he had added value to his community and to those he had taught.
Bob Allen
July 1, 2007
I shared the announcing duties with J. Fred during high school football games at the Astrodome for many years, succeeded him into the booth for the Gallery Furniture Bowl games, and introduced his officiating crews many times at Thorne Stadium and elsewhere. His advice and assistance were invaluable, his humor irresistable, and his friendship priceless. I have lost a friend, a mentor and a colleague. He can never be replaced.
Philip Wetz
July 1, 2007
My oldest daughter, Allison, was privileged to have Mr. Duckett as a teacher and mentor at Awty. She not only learned from him in the classroom but benefited from the interest he took in her after class was dismissed. As he did with so many others, he made her feel special and taught her about life. The personal interest he took in students was a priceless gift for which we give thanks.
Benjamin Rose
June 30, 2007
Mr. Duckett was a truly great man that impactated so many lives in a deep way including my own. I am really going to miss him. He was a wonderful person.
Don Sturr
June 29, 2007
J. Fred was a "first class" gentleman. The soul and inspiration of Rice Athletics for many years.
Elisabeth Madec ('97 Awty)
June 29, 2007
Mr. Duckett was my teacher, coach, mentor and friend. He taught me so much, made me laugh and inspired me. He always went the extra step for everybody. I will really miss him.
Merci pour tout, tu resteras dans mon coeur et mes pensees,
Donald Mills
June 29, 2007
Fred was truly one of the great announcer I have work around. Give this man a microphone, flight steet and a golf cart and show time. He could make grass growing sound exciting. He helped everyone preform better, and feel better. I will miss you brother.
Linda and Jim Baumgartner
June 29, 2007
As soon as our kids transferred to Awty International School, stories about Mr. Duckett began around the dinner table. When we met him, we learned that the stories about Europe, the Olympics, Rice and the Astros were true. And then we discovered that there were more stories as well. He touched our family in ways he could never have appreciated. He was funny, kind, enthusiastic, patient, and where sports were concerned, contagously hopeful. He was an amazing teacher, spent extra time with my son on his extended essay, lent books from his own library, and handed out magazines from decades ago which featured our favorite runners, He recorded all the cross country and track times, provied past statistics before evey race, current statistics after the race and timed all relay splits. We will always remember his re-created announcement of the final event in the 2005 state track meet. He was an amazing story teller. We have our own stories about Mr. Duckett now and one of our favorites is of the time our son inadvertantly discovered what the J. stood for. Mr. Duckett told him "Darn it! Don't tell anyone." He didn't. Mr. Duckett's air of mystery was respected. As a teacher, neigbor, coach, announcer and friend, he is missed.
EARL THOMAS
June 29, 2007
The Houston community has lost one of its treasures.Alarge man in stature but always proud of the kids that he spoke of in his role as a professional.Freds voice and knowledge of T&f will not be matched easily.Farewell Mr. Duckett because in Gods plan, we are better for having known you.
Carol Swenson
June 28, 2007
J. Fred will always be remembered by many as one of track & field's special people.
I first met him at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics where we both worked as part of press information staff. J. Fred always joked about looking like a "giant tangerine" in the orange uniform he was assigned to wear each day.
From our first meeting, J. Fred took me under his wing, knowing our common bonds of being teachers and our deep love of track & field, its statistics and announcing. On a trip to Houston after the LA Games, he proudly showed me his beloved Rice University, it athletic facilities and many other sports facilities around his favorite city. His love of Houston, Texas, and its athletic teams could never be questioned.
As a fellow member of the press information staff at national championships, Olympic Trials, etc., J. Fred came up with the idea for the famed "J. Fred Bucket" which allowed movement of the official results from track side to the crew's work area in the upper reaches of the stadium for final typing and preparation for distribution to the media without countless trips up and down the stadium stairs (i.e., before the day of FAX, computers and the internet.)
The last time I saw J. Fred was a couple of years ago when we both announced at the Kansas Relays, and there, like most of our earlier conversations, our free moments were generally filled with talk of our students.
I am thankful for having had the opportunity to know J. Fred. The "Big Guy" will be missed by each and every one fortunate to have known him over the years.
Jasmin (Awty, '06)
June 28, 2007
you will never be forgotten.
David Courtney
June 28, 2007
I have been privelaged to be tutored by, and work with, two of the best people in the business of sports announcing -- John Ramsey in Los Angeles and J. Fred in Houston. When I moved to Houston in 1978, he welcomed me to Houston Sports Broadcasters Association and basically kept that organization running for years even though he wasn't a full-time sports caster. He allowed my the privelage of filling in for him at Rice events and eventually shared the Astros with me until I returned to L.A. In the meantime he was a friend, confidant and gentleman. How ironic that the Astros came to So. Calif. this past week and I announced them against my Angels. J. Fred came to mind many times. My condolences to his family and friends.
Clyde Neff
June 28, 2007
J Fred was a man that truly served others. From the first day I met him we were friends, for some 23 years. When we did not talk sports we often talked about his students. He was so very proud of them. He would sometimes call to tell me about a paper a student had written as he loved to brag about the talents the students had. I was truly blessed to have him as a friend and a mentor. You will be missed my friend but never forgotten.
Joe Welsh
June 28, 2007
Rita and Joe Welsh
Mauricio K.
June 28, 2007
Thank you Mr. D for all that you did!
Jen (and Rick) Overton
June 28, 2007
I first met J. Fred at St. John's, when I was a student. Many years later, my husband and I always looked forward to seeing J. Fred's smiling face in the Press Box at Rice Stadium or courtside at Autry Gym . Often we'd hear his lovely, booming voice before we'd actually be able to greet him personally. He was a true fan of Rice and indeed of all Houston sports, a good friend to everyone, and an amazing and special person with so many talents and interests. We still hear J. Fred's voice announcing "José CRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUZ" when we see José on the sidelines (José once told us how much he enjoyed his signature introduction), and will forever remember J. Fred sitting courtside in Autry Court wearing his pith helmet in the days of "The Jungle Gym". We will miss him terribly, but we know he's at peace, with Baudine, and will be watching over us. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Rick Yarbrough
June 28, 2007
J. Fred had an unbelievable capacity to encourage others. He never forgot a face (or a race for that matter). He will truly be missed.
Shelby Sharpe
June 28, 2007
J. Fred was a pure delight to work with, never taking himself serious, but his announcing was very serious to him. He wanted it right. Always a professional was his response to criticism. His presence will be missed at the Texas Relays and in many other track venues.
Scarlett Boulos (Class of '04)
June 28, 2007
Mr. Duckett's booming voice and kind heart will always remain in my memories of Awty. He sparked our interest in history and devoted so much of his time to our athletics as well. He was an amazing teacher and special friend to all of us, constantly offering his support and a wealth of stories from his time in Europe or Rice. He will be soarly missed and Awty will not be the same without him.
Lynn Trafton
June 28, 2007
J Fred will be remembered as someone very special with a great personality. I worked with him for many years during the 80's and 90's as a member of the Invited Runners Committee of the Houston Marathon. I would feed him interesting tidbits about the invited runners for his announcements and introductions. He was a joy to work with and I will always remember his strong, clear booming voice at the Texas Relays and early in the morning at the starting line of the Houston Marathon. He will be missed greatly by all the runners and athletes of the Houston area.
Melinda Poulter
June 28, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with J. Fred's family.
I first met J. Fred over 20 years ago while working at the University of Houston. He was calling a track meet, and I was assigned to gather results for him to announce. He was demanding, exacting and passionate!
I'm sure he approached all of life's facets with that same enthusiasm and sense of purpose.
He was always quick with a smile, a warm greeting and a bear-like hug.
His was a voice of passion, dedication and service. His timbre was instantly recognizable, and he will be missed.
"Said of the Irish itinerant preacher the Reverend Mr. Whitefield, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1739. Every accent, every emphasis, every modulation of voice, was so perfectly well turned and well placed, that, without being interested in the subject, one could not help being pleased with the discourse . . . ."Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)
Randy Yarbrough
June 28, 2007
J. Fred has meant much to me over the years both as a fellow track official and even more as a true friend. I will truely miss his friendship and time spent together. May your sorrow be tempered with the remembrances of all the joy that he brought to so many for years and year.
Steve Tiemann
June 28, 2007
I will remember his voice.
Evan Miller
June 28, 2007
Mr. Duckett was undoubtedly one of the most personable and passionate people I've met in my life... I was fortunate enough to have him for 2 years of classes at Awty International School (class of '03), during which he used his powerful voice and personality to narrate the last millenia of world history. His US and WWII lessons I will never forget in particular. He seemed like such a foundation of the Awty school, and it's hard to believe he won't be there anymore-
A caring person each and every day, always listening to what anyone had to say, or offering comfort to us during the rough years of the I.B... He'll always be remembered!
John Greer
June 28, 2007
One of my first friends in Houston, and a reliable and generous co-worker at Rice University, he watched young men and women grow. He was always a positive influence on others, and could be dependable to a fault. I'll always remember his PA call of Rice's win over Texas, and somewhere, there's a microphone waiting for J. Fred. - John Greer
Hal Lundgren
June 27, 2007
Though his family and Rice filled his heart, he carred three encyclopedias in his head -- for history, for track & field, and for opera. Four and one-half hours of Tannhauser or four and one-half hours of track prelims were never too much for Fred. So long as our monthly luncheon group meets, we will miss his sharp mind, free wit and big heart.
Morrow Cummings
June 27, 2007
"Mr. Duckett", as we called him at St. John's School, was the only staffmember I can remember who could laugh with you. His shoes are awfully large, in case someone thinks they can fill them. I'll always remember him.
Don Steffens
June 27, 2007
J. Fred and I roomed together at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. We became fast friends. I visited him in Houston in November 1976 and had a ball. From then on, I would see him frequently at the Texas Relays. For several years, he announced at the Kansas Relays with me. J. Fred was a wonderful, compassionate, entertaining and ice cream eating Teddy Bear. There is now a huge hole in the world of track and field. His large shoes will never be filled. It was my pleasure to have known him for over 30 years.
Kristie Castilow
June 27, 2007
To the Duckett Family:
Mr Duckett was my history teacher at the Awty International School (Class of 93'). I just spoke to him two weeks ago when I learned he was in the hospital. He sounded so strong that his passing is a complete shock. I have always had a special place in my heart for Mr. Duckett because when I left AWTY to attend Texas A&M, he gave me his father's Texas A&M umbrella to take with me for luck. I still have that umbrella that he gave me over 14 years ago. I have always cherished it. He will be greatly missed by all of the "Castilow kids" Kristie, Dan II, and Kari(Graduates of the Awty International School). Your family will continually be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave Welsh
June 27, 2007
J. Fred had a passion for sports, and Rice University, that was contagious. He took his broadcasting work seriously: no one knew more about track and field than he did. Rice University, the City of Houston, and Track and Field has lost a true ambassador. I will miss you, J. Fred.
Teresa Irish
June 27, 2007
I am so sad to hear of J. Fred's passing. He was a great friend and teacher. Through countless Rice football and basketball games, Bluebonnet Bowl meetings and events, and track meets all over Texas, he kept me laughing. I loved his voice and his gigantic heart. I will miss him terribly.
geri konigsberg
June 27, 2007
To the Duckett Family,
J. Fred was a long-time coworker and friend of my late husband, Mike Edmonds. I remember Mr. Duckett and Mike joking around, talking about various games and generally having a good time. Mike respected Mr. Duckett's talent and professionalism and love for his family and profession.
My Thoughts are with you,
geri konigsberg
Bill Melton
June 27, 2007
For some 25 years, J. Fred and I have been Co-Announcers for the Texas Relays. Through the years we developed a significant respect and friendship. He was truly "one of a kind". His voice, talents, skills and humor will all be missed by the sport of Track and Field and sports in general. But I will miss him as my friend and colleague. Although we will never
chime together again on "another Texas Relays RECORD!", I suspect that the Good Lord will have the booming voice of J. Fred spread across the Heavens in no time at all. God speed my Friend.
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