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JAMES DUFFY Obituary

James P. Duffy, M.D. September 8, 1923 April 20, 2015 A Sumner family physician and civic leader who practiced medicine in the Puyallup Valley for half a century---and often told friends and family he had been blessed with "an unbelievable life"---died this week at the age of 91. James Patrick Duffy tended to the medical needs of legions of local families beginning back in 1952, when he became Sumner's third doctor, and continuing unabated through 2003 when, at age 80, he retired from active practice. He was particularly proud of the fact that he delivered more than 2,500 babies during his long and distinguished career, and that he served as team physician for Sumner High School's football team for 42 years, cheering the Spartans to two state championships along the way. In addition, he was president of Pierce County Medical Society and a longtime member of the board of directors for Pierce County Medical Bureau. A dedicated community leader and devoted supporter of local charities, the Bussey, Iowa, native was a 60-year member and past president of Sumner Rotary, served on the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation board of directors, participated in the work of the City of Sumner's Civil Service Committee for nearly two decades, once boasted an 8 handicap at Linden Golf Club where he held membership for six decades, and was a devout and dedicated member of St. Andrew Catholic Church for 63 years, serving as president of the Men's Club. Of his many achievements, this genial and generous man always pointed with greatest pride to his family. Husband to Susanne Dunn Duffy, he is the father of nine children (eight living): Joan Duffy Watt (John), Kathleen Koch, James Patrick Duffy, Jr., (Karen), Kevin Duffy (Nancy), Brian Duffy (Andrea), Steve Duffy (Teddi Ann), Jill DeGoede (Ben), and Mary Crowley (Sean). He is survived by 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; and he was preceded in death by his first wife, Idris Bell, and son, Jon. A rosary and vigil in celebration of Dr. Duffy's life will be held Wednesday, April 22, beginning at 3 p.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 1401 Valley Ave. East, Sumner. A funeral mass is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, at 11 a.m., also at St. Andrew Church, to be followed by a luncheon reception at the church and burial at Sumner Cemetery. Remembrances can be made to St. Andrew Church, Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation (401 15th Ave. E, Puyallup, WA 98372), or the Dr. & Mrs. James P. Duffy Family Scholarship, c/o The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, www.gtcf.org\donate, or via check at GTCF, 950 Pacific Ave., Suite 1100, Tacoma, WA 98402. (Please put In Memory of James. P. Duffy in the memo line for all gifts by check.)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Apr. 22, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for JAMES DUFFY

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Thomas weaver

May 14, 2016

Dr. Duffy, as my family referred to him delivered me on august 3rd of 1958. I continued to see him into my adult life as well as the rest of my family. He was the most caring and gentle an I have ever known. There should be more people with as much compassion as He. I am sorry for your loss, and he truly is missed in my heart. Bless his soul.

George & Velma Kurz

May 1, 2015

You delivered our three wonderful children & have been their doctor as well. Our family will miss you. Our prayers are with your family.

Carol Cullivan

April 30, 2015

Dr Duffy was the first doctor I remember. He was a nice guy, down to earth and had a great sense of humor. He meant a great deal to our family as a member of the church, community and the Sumner sports world. He will be greatly missed! Peace to the entire family.

Barb Herbert

April 30, 2015

Dear Susie and the entire Duffy family

I was blessed to meet Pat as a wonderful board member at the Good Samaritan Foundation. He worked hard for the kids at the Children's Therapy Unit and for our hospital.

It was clear that Pat loved his family, loved his community and was strong in faith. May you find peace in remembering a life well lived and well loved!
Barb Herbert

Ceil Dunn

April 29, 2015

Dearest Susie and Family ~
After reading the many remarks submitted by some of Pat's many fans and family members, I can only offer the word "AMEN" to all of the glowing statements about him.
Every positive adjective applies to Pat ~~ And in many ways
he was "beyond description." A true "GEM"! He'll be dearly missed!
With much love, Ceil

Susan Atkinson

April 28, 2015

So sorry for your loss. He always brightened my day when he would come into the parish office. Pat will be missed.

Marna Peterson

April 25, 2015

I met this wonderful man when I was 8 years old and he was the new doctor in Sumner. He gave me a special nick name and for the next 60 years he called me by that nick name. He cared for me all those years, delivering my daughter with the help of my mom who was a nurse who worked with him at the hospital. This man has always been my male Mother Theresa. His love, dedication, and caring spirit helped me through many a rough roads in my life. I loved that he shared his life with me also, he was not only my beloved Doctor but a much loved friend. This community and world are better places because of Dr. D. I know I am eternally grateful God chose Toltec him in my life, I feel so honored to call him a true friend. My many fond memories of him will ease the void of his passing and I know he is watching over all of us from heaven. May your many wonderful memories sustain each of you who were his family. There was only one Dr. Duffy, that incredible smile and those twinkling eyes, that booming voice and the enormous heart will ring in my life until I see him in heaven. God bless each of you..

Jeannie Kemman

April 25, 2015

My heart goes out to all of the Duffy family. I am sorry I did not make it to "Uncle Pats" services but at the time that they were being held I reminisced anout all of the awesome times our families had on our "camping" trips and just all of our families parties and social events. I can just imagine dad was up at the pearly gates waiting to greet Uncle Pat where dad could show Uncle Pat the peaceful life of heaven I will always have such wonderful memories he will be greatly
missed I love you all

April 25, 2015

Dr. Duffy was an outstanding, professional doctor who always displayed a winning smile and I am so grateful for all the care he graciously gave my mother!! Blessings Joan, Kathy and the Duffy families.

Marna Peterson

April 24, 2015

Dr.D, I first met him when I was 8 years old and he was a new physician in Sumner. My mom worked with him at the old Good Samaritian Hospital and really liked him. He became my lifelong Dr. He gave me a pet name the first time I saw him and that was what he called me from that day on. He was not just my doctor but a faithful confident. Somehow he could make everything better with one of his great bear hugs and his incredible smile. He would share his life with me also, it was a two way friendship. We shared our difficult times and our happy times. His nurse always would come into the room and remind us there were other patients to see. I will always treasures the many many memories that fill my years where my beloved Dr. d was always there for me and my family. He was such a wonderful man,kind, generous,active, caring, hardworking, Hugh love for his family and friends and if he cared for you he really did care for you, there was no phoniness about him. I have always felt he was the male Mother Thresa and I was blessed to have known him. He will be greatly missed by me and my family and I pray for peace for each member of his family. May your many memories make you laugh and relive each experience he was a part of. We all have been so very blessed to have this very special man touch our lives. May we each one carry on his legacy.

Pat & Mom, Rest in Peace

Marg, Perry, Kelly, Conor, Meg Riggle

April 24, 2015

Dear Uncle Pat, your family and deep abiding faith were your guideposts. Those of us lucky enough to have you as part of our lives were truly blessed. You leave in your wake so many lives touched by your kindness, generosity and integrity. So difficult to imagine not hearing your laugh, seeing that twinkle in your eye or ever hearing you say, "Goodbye, God Bless."
You live on in the hearts of all that knew you.
Dear Susie and all the Sumner Duffy's we were with you in spirit today as you sat in St. Andrew's and celebrated Pat's life and mourned his loss. Sending you our love, prayers and deepest sympathy.

Karen (McClain) Martinez

April 24, 2015

Heaven now has a Dr. on board...our heartfelt condolences to the whole family, Ted & I just found out about his passing this morning. He will alawys remain very special to us,as will dear Susie. We spent quite a bit of time at the house in Sumner, we always were made to feel right at home. That's an amazing gift that Pat had, making everyone feel like they were the most special person to him. Prayers to all of the Duffys.

RALPH & NANCY PHILLIPS

April 23, 2015

Dr Duffy WAS A WONDERFUL DOCTOR. AND A VERY GIVING MAN. WHEN WE HAD A HOUSE FIRE. HE TOOK THE MONEY WE OWED HIM OFF HIS BOOKS. HE DELIVERED TWO OF OUR FOUR CHILDREN.

Pat and Mom...Rest in Peace

Marg, Perry, Kelly, Conor, Meg Riggle

April 23, 2015

Your family and your deep abiding faith were your guideposts. Those of us lucky enough to know you and be a part of your life were the ones who were truly blessed. I'll miss your smile, that twinkle in your eyes and your standard, "Goodbye & God Bless" Thank you for the love and kindness you shared so freely, you live on in our hearts.
Dear Aunt Susie and all the Sumner Duffy's I was with you in spirit today as you sat in church and celebrated Pat's life and mourned his loss. God Bless...

Hog Roast, Des Moines Iowa

Marg

April 23, 2015

Uncle Pat

Marg

April 23, 2015

Patty Slettvet Fleming

April 23, 2015

Dr. Duffy was a wonderful person, friend and doctor. He treated our entire family and always had a warm greeting, friendly smile and good advice. So sorry for your loss but you had your wonderful dad/husband for many years. He had a positive impact on many people.

Betty and Jerry Zelenak

April 23, 2015

Dr Duffy was a Great Man and a wonderful person we named one of our son's after him. He took care of our hole familey. He will be missed by one and all. Our prayers are with his familey.

Bob Duffy

April 23, 2015

Uncle Pat was a great man and a very good friend to all that were lucky enough to come to know him. I will always remember the fall when all the Duffy's would gather at the White House for hunting season, card playing and of course story telling. Pat, "God Bless" you my dear Uncle and friend.

Marcheta Braun

April 23, 2015

It was a pleasure to care for Dr Duffy's patients at Good Sam. He was a great physician and was always kind to his patients and staff. And always a smile and a hello if I saw him in the hospital hallway or out in the community. My prayers are with your family at this sad time.

Debbie (Malnar) Phibbs

April 23, 2015

Dr. Duffy reflected the values of a true caregiver in all aspects of his life, compassionate, kind, selfless, understanding and inspirational. He has certainly left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire others to serve their communities and love their family. Our thoughts and prayers to all his family.

April 23, 2015

Dr. Duffy, a great doctor and a wonderful man. He will be missed.
George and Dorrie Simpson and family

Jim Dahl

April 23, 2015

My thought's and prayers are with Dr Duffy's family.

Darlene Burk

April 23, 2015

A great doctor who made house calls 50 years ago! May you have the peace of God that passes all understanding.

Pam Cleaver

April 23, 2015

Dr Duffy was always a wonderful person and doctor - and a fixture at St Andrews growing up. My prayers are with you all. Pam (Malnar) Cleaver - Yakima WA

Amy Knutson Spencer and Family ♡

April 23, 2015

Uncle Pat was always there with a big smile, a kiss, and would always leave with "God bless." All it took was a quick call and he'd go open up the office and stitch me back up, no matter what time of night. He was one of the most selfless servants to all who knew him. Aunt Susie, and all the Duffys... sending our love and prayers for you. ¢½

Ken Howard Jr.

April 23, 2015

My Uncle Pat was one of the most remarkable individuals I have ever had opportunity meet. Aside from my own Father, Pat was truly one of my life's foremost mentors...his personal and professional lives were ALWAYS about building long lasting relationships and serving others. As our entire family most of all Aunt Susie, his children, and extended family - grieves we all know Uncle Pat has gone home to be with the Lord whom he universally honored through his actions and words. This world has lost one of the good ones, however, I believe his legacy will continue and hopefully be revered by all those he touched as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, colleague, and of course Doc Duffy. Pat, I am sure there is an eternal place at the head of rum card table and in the hearts of all true Hawkeye fans.

Your nephew,

Ken Howard Jr.

Lisa Gonhue

April 23, 2015

Dear Susie, sending prayers and so much love to you through this difficult time. (the absentee sister on the back of the bus)

Kyle Foster

April 23, 2015

My heart goes out to all of you. ..many fond memories of us all together over the years. He will never be forgotten.

Wendy (Munson) Whitney

April 23, 2015

I am proud to say that I am one of the 2500 babies he helped deliver! He was always compassionate and caring. Even years laterremembered me and made a point to stop me and say hello. He will always have a special place in my heart. May God's healing and peace be with each of you. Thank you Doctor Duffy for your years of Love and service.

Laurie Lane

April 23, 2015

Thinking of you, dear Susie and all of your wonderful family! Pat was a prince of a man with such a winning smile and happy heart! May you all feel the Lord's comfort and kindness in the days ahead. My deepest sympathy to you, dear friend.

April 23, 2015

what a great man. peace be with you "DOC"
Ernie Winters and family Sumner,wa

Margaret Braunberger

April 23, 2015

***Very Sincere Condolences***to Susan and all of the families...May He Rest in Peace...It was a pleasure to know him and all of you...***Treasure Your Memories***

Kitty Dunn

April 23, 2015

We love this man. He was the most wonderful,fun loving and compassionate brother in law anybody could hope to have. Truly a God send in our life. He always made us feel so special.
Love and Prayers, Tom and Kitty

Paul Duffy

April 23, 2015

Without question one of the finest men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Uncle Pat was the best. My thoughts and prayers are with the Sumner Duffy's. God bless all of you

April 22, 2015

Doc Duffy was one of the memorable people from my earliest years of life. My condolences to Joan ( my high school classmate) and the rest of the family. Dave Ticen. Victoria, TX

Louisa Uffelman-Smith

April 22, 2015

A magical man! After his retirement if I saw him somewhere, he would always give me a hug. I swear I felt better for days after that hug! Sad loss for all of us.

Kristin Peterson-Gipson

April 22, 2015

I am very proud to say that I was one of the 2500 babies Dr. Duffy brought into this world. His booming voice and laugh along with his infectious smile will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful man whom I am proud to say was my doctor for many years. He will be greatly missed.

April 22, 2015

Amazing man, he was a friend to all..Bless you Dr Duffy....Kathi Keyes

April 22, 2015

It was a real pleasure to know Pat. Played some golf and bridge with him. Our condolences to the family. Jack & Bette Pogorelc

Greg Jones

April 22, 2015

Doc Duffy left quite a dash between 1923 and 2015!! A geniune nice guy, always smiling and friendly from the first time we met. Missed, but not forgotten at Linden Golf and CC.

April 22, 2015

Dr Duffy was an amazing man. I always loved when he would come into the office with his big smile and give all of us ladies big hugs. So sad to see him gone. He will definitely be missed
Natasha Bye

Matt Pickering

April 22, 2015

A great attitude. A great smile. A great man. On behalf of the Pickering family, thank you Doc.

Sherrie Green (Burk)

April 22, 2015

Great memories of Dr Duffy and the Duffy family. Blessings to you all.

Betty Boushey

April 22, 2015

Dr. Duffy, thank you for your many kind acts to patients and the community. You have left us all with a wonderful model of kindness, generosity and enthusiasm. So now, a little older, I need to work on emulating that impish grin you always shared so freely.

April 22, 2015

So sorry to learn of Doc's passing. My condolences to Suzy and all the family. He was a pillar of the community for decades, and always a character with a twinkle in his eye. He will be missed by many. Dave Nauer

Douglas Boushey

April 22, 2015

Doc Duffy was the family doctor for both of our parents and their six children. He was a giant who treated us all with care, optimism, and humor. You left his office feeling you had the best doctor on the planet. He felt blessed? Not as much as his patients. Thank you and RIP Doc.

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