John W. Duncan, III

Lansing - John William Duncan III passed away at the age of 77 on Saturday, August 8th, 2020. John was born on October 19th, 1942, in Brockton, Massachusetts to John and Ann (Driscoll) Duncan.

After graduating Brockton High School, John attended the John Newman Preparatory School and served in the US Coast Guard (Cape May, New Jersey). John received his Bachelor's in Science from Western Michigan University (Class of 1968), attended the School of Packaging at Michigan State University and earned his MBA from Central Michigan University (1988). He had a 40-year career in the automotive industry, including working as plant superintendent at Fisher Body and Powertrain, as traffic manager at Lansing Car Assembly and as superintendent of plant engineering and maintenance for GM's World Facility Group in Pontiac, Michigan.

John is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Ronette; four children, Todd (Tami), Cindy (Kurt), Jeffrey, and Jennifer (David); six grandchildren, Michael (Alyssa), Megan, Hilary (Neal), Kary (Scott), Alex, and Ella; niece, Robin; nephew, Robert; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, John, mother, Ann, sister, Virginia and stepson, William Joseph "Joe" (Jennifer).

John was an avid sports fan, antiques buff, car collector, and loyal friend. He regularly attended Michigan State football games with his wife and also enjoyed traveling to catch a game with friends - whether it was the Spartans, the Broncos, the Pistons, the Tigers, or the Red Sox. He maintained several longtime friendships and was a proud member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. John was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of sports trivia, and was quick to give a friendly smile and wink.

Although John lived a full and happy life, he was tragically taken away from his family and friends far too soon. His grandchildren mourn the loss of their "Papa John" and his sharp-witted humor, love and support will be forever missed.

In lieu of funeral services, celebrate John's life by making a donation to the Trauma Care Unit at Sparrow Hospital (https://www.sparrowfoundation.org/give) in his name, in appreciation for the wonderful nurses and doctors who cared for him.

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

Published by Lansing State Journal from Aug. 12 to Aug. 16, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Duncan

Sponsored by Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes - Delta Chapel Delta Chapel.

27 Entries

Georgia Mouka

October 3, 2020

Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of John. We actually knew John as "Duncan" cause that's how Jim Karagon (our cousin) always spoke of him. When we met, we called him Duncan too. He was funny and kind and warm and gracious. That's how we will remember him and all the great laughs and memories that Jim shared about you all. He was lucky to have a great friend like you Duncan. You will be missed. Georgia in Toronto, Canada

Ron Holmgren

September 21, 2020

John was one of my best childhood friends right up through our high school years in Brockton, MA., a working class city that prepared John well for the rough and tumble of the work world where he enjoyed considerable success. I remember him for his combination of personal qualities that made him so likeable and brought him such respect from those knew him. One attribute he was known for when he played high school football was his fearless attitude about physical contact. He seemed to thrive on it. He was also capable of being highly focused with absolute steely determination when a situation demanded it and was always a straight talker who would say what he felt regardless of whether people were in agreement. In contrast, John had a light-hearted side and was jovial and very gregarious.. He was able to laugh at himself and at the world he lived in. These qualities helped him make friends easily.
I am confident that many fellow Brocktonians who knew him would echo my thoughts.
He was an important part of many peoples' lives, including mine, and he will be dearly missed. I give my sympathy to his wife, Ronnie, and to all of his family at this tragic loss. I will keep John in my memory by holding dear to a cherished photo that I own. It shows John and two of his Little League teammates visiting the Boston Red Sox dugout chatting with the splendid splinter, Ted Williams.
A lifelong friend,
Ron Holmgren

George Blaha

September 1, 2020

John was one of my very best friends. The world won’t seem right without him. He was a first class stand up guy. My wife Mary and I send our sympathy and love to Ronie and all of john’s family and many friends. George Blaha

Dick Connolly

September 1, 2020

My sympathy to John’s family on his passing. John and I go back to junior High and high school in Brockton Ma. Last time I saw John was at a high school reunion
In Falmouth. When John was at WMU and I at Mass College of Pharmacy our class
Took a trip to Upjohn Pharmaceutical in Kalamazoo and of course met up with
John and had a few beers at Wayside INN.
Too tragic!!!

Deborah Chestnut

August 29, 2020

I knew John as a Lansing Mall walker. I would stop by the table at the Mall where he sat, talking to his friends. I knew him to be kind & always friendly. My sincere condolences to the family.

Larry Horton

August 23, 2020

I met John in ‘72 when I replaced Stan Simons as a shipping clerk on the plants East dock. John and I became good friends and mentor. He taught me that when in trouble, everyone has a boss!! In our later years at GM John and I didn’t directly work together, but when we saw each other he would treat and talk to me like we had just seen each other days before. John will be missed by so many of us, our Friendship and respect for each other will never be forgotten...he was a great man...

Jeff Bland

August 21, 2020

I had the pleasure of working with John for many years as a supplier to GM. John and I became friends and spent many mornings sitting in the McDonald's at the corner of Dibble and Saginaw Talking over the last 11 years. I always enjoyed the friendship we shared as Customer/Supplier long before that. I recently ran into him at PNC Bank near the end of our stay at home and as always, we stood in the parking lot talking for about an hour. John wasn't a good man, he was a great man. I am so Sorry for his family and grieve for John and his family.

ron isenhath

August 20, 2020

good friend.

Jim Karagon

August 19, 2020

Friend for 57 years, roommates, along with John Janzaruk and Bill MacMIllan, at Western Michigan University, and the four of us friends these many wonderful years. Dunc and I attended the Boston Red Sox-Detroit Tigers game in Detroit for 30 years in a row. We supported each other through happy and sad times. Many stories to tell, some cannot be put into print. Suffice to say, John lived by one of his sayings: "This life is not a dress rehersal." He lived and enjoyed this life, a life that ended tragically and much too soon. I saw him the day before he passed away, kissed him on the forehead and told him I loved him. See you on the other side.

Joseph & Susie Sambaer

August 17, 2020

So very sorry for your tragic loss. He was a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Howard Richter

August 17, 2020

Our condolences to Ronnie and her family. John and I were good friends on many levels. At work John knew how things worked and how to get the "unusual" done. It's not everyday you meet somebody who will get up at 4:30 a.m. for a six hundred mile road trip to an ad or coin-op show, and still be talking sixteen hours later. Those days were a lot of fun and will be missed, as John will be by all those who knew him. Good bye John.

Marni Beutler

August 15, 2020

My thoughts and prayers to John's family at this very sad time. I worked with John over the years from the unions side. Oh what fun John was in negotiations, I feel blessed to have been able to work with him but most of all to call him my friend. He always made my day with his stories and that smile. Thanks for the memories, I will hold them close to my heart. God Speed. Marni Beutler

Stan Simons

August 14, 2020

I first met John in the late 60s at G.M.. We shared many things in common and John always brought a smile to my face. I last saw John 2 years ago and he was the same happy guy I remember. I mourn the loss of such a great friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

WILL HARRIS

August 13, 2020

I am truly sadden by the passing of John. He was my manager and mentor when I worked at Lansing Car Assembly for GM, but more important he was a friend. He not only advised and supported my career, he shared some life lessons with me as well. Losing the patriarch of a family always leaves a tremendous void. My sincere sympathy goes out to the Duncan family and I pray that God's love will comfort you with His grace, mercy , and peace.

Allen Kimmel

August 13, 2020

Condolences to the Duncan family. I worked with and around John for several years at G.M. He was a dedicated employee. Never heard him say a harsh word to or about anyone. Joined him a few times in his pursuit of antiques. He loved to collect many things including Lucky Strike items. We enjoyed a few trips to the Antique Advertising Show in Indianapolis many years back. With some side trips to antique shops on the way home. He was always fun to be around and was very knowledgeable about the things he collected. Rest in peace Mr. Duncan, the world has lost another good one.

Grace Major

August 13, 2020

I first met John when he was the Materials Superintendent at LCA Chassis Plant. But I got to know him a lot better in retirement while walking at the Lansing Mall. I always went by myself, but he couldn't let me walk alone. He'd often do more laps so we could chat and catch up. A wealth of knowledge and advice, I always learned something. Such a kind and friendly man. Deepest condolences to his family.

Kim Morgan

August 12, 2020

Our condolences to the family. I didn’t know John though I’m sure my parents both knew John As GM is family and my father was also supervision. So very sorry Johns life was cut short and know you are all in my thoughts.
Donald & Vivian Speck & Family

Todd Moorhead

August 12, 2020

I think of John as a mentor and a kind man whom took me under his wing upon hiring me as a Supervisor at the Lansing Car Assembly (LCA). He was extremely sincere with a wonderful sence of humor. I have many fond memories of John as a "boss" and a friend. You will be missed by many.

Lanny Weems

August 12, 2020

Duncan family, we are so sorry for your loss. I first met John in 1972 on GM Lansing's Plt. 3 east dock. He was all business but would always take time to give me a hand. Our paths would not cross again until the mid - 90's at Lansing's Fisher Body Plt. We would often see each other and compare purchases at the Allegan Antique Show and my son and I would run into John at the annual Oldsmobile Car Show. I was afforded the opportunity to see Johns antique collections and drive one of the Mercedes. Hats off to you John, you will be missed.

William Kost

August 12, 2020

You will be missed my friend

Vicki Roush

August 12, 2020

I don't know your family, but I want to express how very sorry I am for your loss. This breaks my heart for all of you that this has happened. Mr. Duncan sounded like he was a wonderful man and my thoughts are with his loved ones.

Paula, Judie, JohnLuca &Marco Mirabelli-Migaldi

August 11, 2020

Our heart felt condolences to you Ronette and your entire family. John’s beautiful smile will be greatly missed may he R.I.P

Robert Dunigan

August 11, 2020

Terrible way to end your life I thought a lot about you when you was in intensive care goodbye I cannot think of any thine else to say robert a dunigan

Bob Benezette

August 11, 2020

One of the happiest guys I ever knew (for 40 years), never angry at anyone. I also never questioned his facts cause he knew what he was talking about. So sorry to lose him. Condolences to Roni and all.

Michael Richardson

August 11, 2020

Grandpa John was a very loving and caring person. I remember going to football games with him, Corvette rides, walking the dogs, and spending time just hanging out at the house. John helped me get my first job and I will never forget seeing him walk the production line and saying hello to everyone - he was a local hero, true friend, and a great mentor. I hope to one day become what our Grandpa John was to many; not just a loving and caring friend, but a true humanitarian. I will also never forget how happy he made my Grandma Ronette. I'm sure heaven is now a more interesting place with you in it. You will surely be missed. Love, Michael, Alyssa, Colton, and Harper

Tom Stealy

August 11, 2020

Having known John for over 30 years, it is still difficult for me to believe that he is gone and in such a tragic manner. He will be missed by all who knew him and my deepest sympathies to his family.

Donald Hutson

August 11, 2020

John was a good friend and a dedicated work partner. I remember the days we worked on his orange corvette which was the beginning of our long and meaningful friendship. I will miss his candid humor and
dedication to his work and his friends. Blessings to all his family.

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