James C. Duff

James C. Duff, 79, of Waco, passed away Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007, at a local hospital after a short illness. Following a private service on Monday, Jan. 8, at Oakwood Cemetery, the family will be receiving friends and acquaintances from 4 to 6 p.m. at Oakcrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd. A memorial video honoring his life will be shown during the visitation times. James C. Duff was born on June 30, 1927, in Bonham, Texas. He was the son of Clyde A. Duff and Mae Smith Duff. He attended Bonham High School and Texas A&M College, class of 1948. He met his wife, Jo Ann Brumback, while working in the oil fields of the Texas Panhandle. He acquired his professional engineering license while working at the Texas Highway Department in Bonham. He moved to Greenville in 1958 and became the city engineer and director of public works. In 1963, he moved to Waco as a partner for Garland Engineering. In the 1960's he acquired the company, changed the name to Duff Consulting Engineers, Inc. and served as owner and president until his death. James C. Duff was a registered professional engineer in six states, a professional land surveyor, and a member of the following professional societies: American Society of Civil Engineers, American Water Works Association Life Member, Texas Society of Professional Engineers where he served as president, vice president and secretary/treasurer, Professional Engineers in Private Practice where he served as president, vice president and secretary/treasurer, and ADHOC Committee for State of Texas - Rules and Regulations for Public Water Systems. In 1982 he was Engineer of the Year of the Central Texas Chapter of the TSPE. He was a technical contributor to Uni-Bell Pipe Association and a loyal supporter of the Texas A&M, College of Engineering, serving as a visiting engineer. He was a Texas A&M Century Club Member since 1971. James C. Duff was responsible for engineering services to the city of Waco, city of Hewitt, city of Beverly Hills, city of Woodway, city of Blum, and city of Hamilton. He was a pioneer in bringing water to the rural areas of Texas. He was responsible for the development and engineering services for over 800 rural and community water/sewer systems throughout Texas. His family and his engineering practice were his life. He will be remembered for the depths of his knowledge, his rare business sense, his friendliness, his ethical practices and his people skills. James C. Duff is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jo Ann; two daughters, Anna Jo Adamek and Julia C. Bettinger; two sons-in-law, Rodney W. Adamek and David L. Bettinger, four grandchildren, Christopher D. Adamek, Rachel A. Bettinger Cooney and husband, Stephen, Lauren D. Adamek and fiance, Ben Baker, and Sara A. Bettinger Gunter and husband, Jody; one great-granddaughter, Katy Jo Gunter; and several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. The online guestbook is available at www.oakcrestwaco.com June 30, 1927 - January 4, 2007 Sign the Guest Book at www.wacotrib.com