James Raymond "Jim" Duckworth

James Raymond Duckworth, 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in Fort Mill, South Carolina. He had been residing at Somerby Assisted Living, where he spent his final years surrounded by a caring staff that grew to know and love him dearly.

Born on May 24, 1939, in National City, California, Jim grew up in Long Beach and went on to lead a life marked by perseverance, curiosity, integrity, and quiet courage. His journey carried him through humble beginnings to remarkable achievements - all shaped by a deeply held commitment to doing his best for his family and for whatever responsibilities were placed in his hands.

At age 18, Jim left home to begin an 11-year professional baseball career. He spent six years in the minor leagues with the Brooklyn Dodgers' system - an experience he described as "Real Life 101," where he matured from a shy young man into someone capable, disciplined, and grounded. In 1962, he was selected by the Washington Senators, and by 1963 he was on the team's Opening Day roster. He earned his first major league win that same year against the New York Yankees, a moment he cherished throughout his life.

A chance moment during an injury layoff in 1966 changed everything: he met a young woman named Kathryn at their apartment pool. That chance encounter bloomed into a 58-year marriage with Kaydee, the love of his life. They were married the next year, on his birthday. Theirs was a partnership full of devotion, growth, perseverance, and deep familial pride. Together they raised five children: Marie, Michael, John, Theresa, and Andrew, who remained his highest priority always.

After leaving baseball, Jim embarked on a distinguished 26-year career with the California Highway Patrol, rising through the ranks to sergeant and lieutenant, serving as statewide director of emergency medical training, and founding the CHP physical fitness program. During this time, he returned to school and - despite his struggles in high school - earned his B.A. degree and teaching credential with a 3.80 GPA, completing the program while working full time and raising five children. He considered this achievement one of the most transformative of his life.

Jim believed in integrity above all else. He admired those who kept trying in the face of hardship and was wary of those who used power to harm others. He despised bullying in any form and tried to live in a way that uplifted rather than diminished.

He embraced new challenges wholeheartedly, including bicycle racing in the California Police Olympics, where he won 16 medals in 18 races, and later, during retirement, roles as a traffic safety instructor, substitute teacher, math tutor, and member of the Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol. In his later years, he became an avid wildlife and nature photographer, spending countless hours on quiet lakes or mountain trails, capturing the beauty of the landscape and the wild birds and animals that brought him peace.

Favorite films from his youth, like Jacques Cousteau's The Silent World and Bruce Brown's The Endless Summer, reflected his lifelong connection to water, nature, and curiosity. He had an amazing green thumb, designing and creating vibrant and lush outdoor gardens in each home he resided. He lovingly grew flowers for his wife – rose bushes, iris, bird of paradise, canna lillies, and camellias to name a few of his favorites – he would pick them regularly for display in their home, and for her to use in her paintings.

Jim believed firmly that "not planning is planning for failure." But above all, Jim was a man who believed life offered opportunities - and that courage meant stepping into the unknown. One of his favorite quotes was, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." Another that guided him was, "It will all be okay in the end; if it is not okay, then it is not the end."

Jim suffered a stroke in 2023 that left him mostly paralyzed on his left side. He managed the immense challenges of the remaining three years of his life with a newfound vulnerability, openheartedness, and humor that was inspiring to all those whose lives he touched. Jim formerly accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in the week prior to his passing – encouraging others to "get on board, and join me."

Preceded in death by his wife Kaydee, his parents Raymond and Isabelle, his brother Paul, his sister Judy, and his son Mike.

Jim is survived by his four remaining children – two daughters, Theresa Duckworth and Marie Davis; two sons, Andrew Duckworth (Leah), John Duckworth (Kristi); as well as eight grandchildren who all knew him as "Paps" – Baze Duckworth, Nya Duckworth, Aidan Lentsch, Avery Lentsch, Cedar Duckworth, Vincent Davis, Royal Duckworth, Noah Duckworth, Tshin Mitchon, Dave Mitchon, and Donalson Fanord.

Jim's journey was never about acclaim. It was about doing right. About showing up. About becoming a man capable of giving his family something better than what he began with. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, integrity, perseverance, humility, and love.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Great Dane Friends in honor of his beloved dog Art: • Great Dane Friends at https://greatdanefriends.com/donate/

Expressions of sympathy may be submitted online at: • https://www.greenefuneralhome.net/