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John DUFF Obituary
John was born on Dec. 24, 1964, in Omaha, Neb., to Paul and Betty Leslie Duff. He graduated from the University of Illinois with an engineering degree. He was also a 1984 graduate of Frankfort Community High School in West Frankfort and Rend Lake College in Ina, Ill. While attending high school, John played football where he was voted All Conference Team. He also wrestled and played basketball for the Red Birds.
He served as an electrical engineer for Commonwealth Edison in Illinois for 10 years and was currently employed with Dominion Power Company in Surry, Va. John was also a member of St. Bede Catholic Church, enjoyed an active lifestyle, and was very fond of the outdoors. John enjoyed spending time with his wife and children doing numerous outdoor and sporting activities.
John was predeceased by his mother, Betty Leslie Duff.
He is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Jenny Duff; children, John (9), Katie (8), Ryan (5). He is also survived by his father, Paul Duff (Jolene) of Onowa, Iowa; and siblings, Jim Duff (Amy) of West Frankfort, Ill., Jill Bauer (Jerry) of Columbia, Ill., Jean Huie (John) of Christopher, Ill., Jerri George (Gary) of Centralia, Ill., and Joe Duff (Peggy) of Three Rivers, Mich. Also left to cherish his memory are his in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews.
John was a devoted husband and father, and he was loved and cherished by many friends and family.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28, at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg. A Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, at St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Rd., Williamsburg, Va.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to benefit John's children may be sent to the Dominion Credit Union, P.O. Box 26646, Richmond, VA 23261; directed to the John Duff Fund. Donations can be made by check or money order payable to the John Duff Fund. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John DUFF
Elaine Pawlak
January 4, 2010
Dearest Jenny,
I heard the shocking news of your loss from you dear sister, Cindy who rushed to be with you as soon as she heard of your husband's diagnosis. I know what a comfort and support she can be and feel that, at this very difficult time, you are fortunate to be surrounded by loving friends and family. You have been blessed to have shared 14 years with an extremely remarkable man who has accomplished more in his short life than most do in an entire lifetime. You are blessed with three beautiful
children who need you to be strong. This challenge will
force you to discover and use inner strength and resources that you never knew you had. You will, with the
help of friends and family, become more than you ever
thought possible.
I pray for your inner strength and courage at this very
difficult time.
Karen (Sears)Gilbert
December 31, 2009
I was honored be in the class of 1984 alongside John and remember him to be a warm and funny guy. Our lives might go separate ways after graduation, but the fond memories will remain forever. I hope you find peace and comfort knowing that so many people are lifting your family up in their prayers. God Bless and Keep you.
jerri george
December 31, 2009
Jenny, words can not express the sarrow I hold in my heart for you, little John, Katie an Ryan. Know that I love you all very deeply and I'm here if you need me. I don't think my tears will ever end nor the emptyness I feel inside my heart fade away. God please send your angels to look after Jenny and her family during the days months an years ahead. Remember you have a large family that loves and cares about you an the kids, we will always be here. much love
David, Connie and Rebecca Bridges
December 30, 2009
Jenny and family,
Our condolences on your loss. John was a friend as well as my supervisor at the power station. I worked around him for years, but it wasn't until I was assigned to his shift that I got to know him. Through our conversations, I know he deeply loved his family, and enjoyed doing things with you and the kids. I'll never be able to eat Bruster's ice cream and not think of him. As time goes by, the pain of his loss will decrease, but the good memories of your time with him will never dim.
Don Connell
December 30, 2009
So sorry to hear of John's passing. Hadn't seen him in over 20 years but still remember "the Duffer" well. I was a year ahead of him in school but we lived only a few blocks apart so we got to know each other walking home from school. Still think about him every fall when football starts, he could hit like a ton of bricks, then help the guy up and be ready to do it all over again. And his sardonic wit always made me laugh. My life is richer for having known him. My sincerest condolences go out to his family.
December 30, 2009
Dear Jenny and family,
We would like to offer you our deepest sympathy. We are so sorry for your loss, but want you to remind you of the many, many wonderful memories you shared with John, family and friends. We truly was a great man and though we were only casual friends in the neighborhood, his honest, sweet, genuinely friendly personality was quite evident. He will be greatly missed.
Sincerest condolences and GOD BLESS!!
BJ and Susie Schroeder and family (Fernbrook)
Kurt Carlson
December 30, 2009
My family and I are so very sorry for your loss. I worked with John, but did not know him well. However, we do know the pain of your loss and will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Ernie Howard
December 30, 2009
Jenny and family,
John was a very good friend of mine and my life is better for having known him. He was by far one of the best people I have ever had the privilege to know and I will miss him greatly. He was very easy to get close to and was always there to talk to. Although I was never fortunate enough to meet his family, he spoke about you a lot and the love was obvious. We often passed the time on the ferry discussing his geocaching escapades with the kids, which he really enjoyed. I never had a talk with him that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. John will be deeply missed by all of us. Know that you and your family are in our prayers and we are here to help in any way we can.
Rich Bowen
December 30, 2009
Jenny and family,
There are no words that can express the loss of a loved one. John was a good friend. He helped me get through license class with his encouragement. Please allow others the joy of helping you in any way that you need. His co-workers, including myself, will miss his quick smile and outgoing personality. I'm glad that I got to visit him and see his strength and love for his family. You and your family remain in the Bowen family's prayers.
December 30, 2009
My sincerest condolences for your loss. I, too, lost a dear sibling in 2009, and share the emptiness you feel. Please know that the Duff family has and always will remain in my heart. Lifting you in prayer. Sincerely, Tammie Alexander
Toby Bennett
December 29, 2009
Was so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. I worked with his brother Jim at Crownline. If there is anything at all I can do for you please let me know. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Brad Warren
December 29, 2009
Jill, Jean and family,
I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Sheila Tackitt
December 29, 2009
To Jean and the entire Duff family,
Your many friends are here to help in any way we can. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Beth (Hood) Willis
December 29, 2009
I went to school with John and grew up in the same neighborhood. He was a great guy. I can remember that grin he would get on his face when he would challenge one of the teachers and 9 times out of 10, would prove them wrong. He was very intelligent. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Sharon Covaney
December 29, 2009
Hello, my name is Sharon Covaney and my son, Jason, is in John's class. Our family is so very aware of what you are going through. I lost my Dad on Christmas Day last year and Jason lost his loving grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. The prayers and support as well as faith in God will be enough and I can only imagine the wonderfuly memories to cherrish. Jason is thinking of John and if we can help in any way, we are here for you.
McKim Family
December 29, 2009
To Jenny and all the Duff Family
We are very sorry for your loss, our prayers are with you.
Kristie Campbell
December 28, 2009
To the Duff family,
As a part of the Matoaka famaily, staff and friends, my sincere condolences go out to you all. We are saddened and in anguish over your loss. Know that we are here for you all during this time and always. You are and always will be in our prayers.
David Bowden
December 28, 2009
To the Duff family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you throughout this difficult time. John was a great person to work with,you could always rely on him to help you through thick and thin. John has provided some lasting memories for me which I will always cherish. It is a blessing to have known him and work side by side with him. John will be greatly missed at Surry, especially by those in the Operations department. God Bless.
John Butler
December 28, 2009
I want to take this opportunity to offer my condelences to all of John's family. I have the priviledge to have made acquaintance and friendships with all of them. I got to know John because he was Jill and Jeans little brother. I had the priviledge to help John some with wrestling. He was a strong competitor in any sport that he competed in. But, most of all he was a kind and considerate person. He worked as hard in the game of life as well as the field of play. His demeanor was such that he was liked by those who came in contact with him. I am saddened for his family of his passing, but I am also assured that he worked hard to pass those lifes lessons on to his children. To his children I say hold on to his memory and the values that he displayed as a young man, and you to will be successful. I tearfully express my thoughts and prayers to Jill, Jean and the rest of his siblings. God has called a servant home to Heavens glory to be with him.
Gayle (Williams) Anderson
December 28, 2009
My thoughts, prayers and sincere sympathy are with John's loved ones. Although our lives went separate ways after high school, I will always remember John fondly as being kind to everyone and a leader among his peers. May God comfort you all during this difficult time.
KIM TAYLOR (TALLUTO)
December 28, 2009
Dear Duff Family,
As another member of the class of 1984, I was very saddened to hear of John's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. John was well liked by everyone and a terrific athlete. He will be missed!
Michael and Mary Lynn Wells
December 28, 2009
Dear Jenny and Family,
There are no words that can erase the sorrow you must be feeling. There are so many families that are praying for all of you now...that you gain strength to walk a path that you did not choose. Our kindest thoughts are with you now.
Mary Lynn, Michael, Meredith and Michael Wells
December 28, 2009
Dear Jenny, We are so sorry for your loss. Please let us know if there is anything you or your family may need. Your all in our thought's and prayers. God Bless all of you. Love The Joyner Family
Dave Willmore
December 28, 2009
" To the Duff family I went to school with John. I have many fond memories of the classes we shared, but my foundest memories were on the football field John was a great compeitor a teammate you knew wouldn't let you down. I too hadn't seen him since graduation but thought of him every fall when football rolled around. My thoughts and prayers are with you God Bless. Dave Willmore WestFrankfort
December 28, 2009
Jenny, John, Katie, and Ryan,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Although I did not know John, knowing each of you assures me of what a special person he was.
Please know that you all will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Trish Kline
Clara Byrd Baker
Stephanie (Smith) Natyshok
December 28, 2009
Dear Duff family,
I was very saddened to hear of Johns passing. I was a classmate of Johns, also graduating in 1984. It is has been many years since I have seen him, but obviously he was surrounded by a beautiful family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Laura Hughes-Lewis
December 28, 2009
To the Duff Family,
I was a classmate of John's and am so sorry for your loss.I have not seen John since our graduation, but hold many fond memories of our High School years at FCHS. My prayers for strength and peace are with you and your family during this time and in the days to come.
David & Liz Bradford
December 28, 2009
Our thoughts are with your whole family. Let your memories lift your hearts.
December 28, 2009
Dear Jenny and Family
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you. The Terranova Family, Elmwood Park, Illinois
Daniel Loeh & Michelle Roper
December 28, 2009
To Jim & Amy and the Duff Family...We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that your extended Elks family has you all in our thoughts and prayers.
George Hopkins
December 27, 2009
Jenny, John, Katie, and Ryan;
I was one of John's junior high school teachers. I think I speak for all of my colleagues at the time in saying that John had a positive impact on his classmates and teachers with his infectious smile and upbeat demeanor. I am so sorry for your loss and will pray for your family during this difficult time. No doubt John is standing in the Perpetual Light--his reward for his faith and life's good works .
Rick & Isabelle Heyder
December 27, 2009
Just a note to let all of you know that we are so sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
December 27, 2009
Dear Jenny, John, Katie & Ryan,
Our whole neighborhood was saddened to hear of John's passing. We know that you treasured the time that you had with your wonderful husband & father. Please know that all of us on River Reach will help you any way we can.
Warmly, Betsy & Bob Northrop
Colette Andesilich (Edwards)
December 27, 2009
I went to High School with John and although I have not seen him since or had the oppurtunity to meet his family I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. May God send you his peace
and comfort during this horrific time.
Kerri Melvin
December 27, 2009
Dear Family, my heart is breaking for you. As I remember John, a super great person...friend, athlete, & classmate of the Class of 1984. I know in his life he accomplished so much more in his wife and beautiful children. We often lose track of old friends through the years, but when hearing of a tragedy or loss such as this, time seems to never have passed. My prayers are with all of you. John will be greatly missed by his old friends and classmates here in West Frankfort. May God comfort and keep you! "Duffer" is in good hands.
December 27, 2009
To all the family of John Duff.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to your family in this time of need. Love Cheryl and Larry Bragg and family.
Liz Hinton
December 27, 2009
Mrs. Duff & family, John will certainly be missed in the Operations Dept. at Surry Power Station. His smile, humor and cheerful disposition led him to have many friends at Surry. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult and sorrowful time in your lives. Psalm 34:18a The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Cathy Naylor
December 27, 2009
Dear Duff Family,
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. Please know that you are part of our Matoaka family, and our hearts are filled to the brim with support and a genuine willingness to help in any way we can. May the love of family and friends bring you peace and warmth in this difficult time. Our love and best wishes, always. Godspeed. Cathy Naylor
December 27, 2009
Jenny,
You and your family will continue to be in our prayers.
-Joe Ford & family
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