James Paul Duncan

James Paul Duncan We sadly mark the passing of James Paul Duncan, who died Tuesday evening June 9, 2009. Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and a distinguished member of the faculty of the University of Texas. His service to higher education, and his smile, compassion and sense of humor will be both cherished and sorely missed by family, friends, students and colleagues. Jim was born January 19, 1937 in St. Charles, Virginia to Mable and Paul Duncan. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University in 1959, and went on to attain both a masters and doctoral degree in higher education administration from Indiana University. Jim served his country as an officer in the United States Army from 1961-1962, and concluded his honorable service with the rank of Captain. Thereafter, Jim began a distinguished career lasting almost four decades as a teacher, administrator and leader in the field of higher education. He was active in numerous national higher education organizations throughout his career and was currently serving on the Indiana University School of Education National Advisory Board. After serving in teaching, counseling and administrative positions at Indiana University and Oregon State University, Jim joined the University of Texas at Austin in 1970. There he devoted more than 30 years of service to both U.T. and the University of Texas System in a variety of positions including Dean of Students, Vice-President for Student Affairs, Professor of Educational Administration, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor and Executive Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the position he held for 14 years until his retirement from U.T. System in 1997. Jim returned to teaching at the UT College of Education where he held the appointment of Ashbel Smith Professor of Educational Administration. There were many who had the pleasure of being part of Jim's life-- his loving wife of almost 50 years, Catherine Nancy Duncan, whom he met at Indiana University, and their children Kim, Mary and Brad. His extended family included Kim's son, James Cullen Sadler; Mary's spouse, Cesar De La Garza and their son Gabriel; and Brad's spouse, Dianna Passmore Duncan and their sons, Brandon, Austin and Dylan. All were fortunate to experience his love, warmth, inspiration and kindness. Jim is also survived by his mother, Mable Duncan; sisters, Jean Campbell and Darlene Emmert; and brothers, Emmett and Kenneth Duncan. Jim had a gift for making those around him feel comfortable and at ease, and as a parent, teacher and administrator, he helped many people during his life through a sense of compassion, understanding, and a genuine desire to inspire others to achieve their goals. In addition to his family, there are countless others,-- teachers, administrators, students, colleagues-- whose lives Jim touched in ways large and small and who will remember his life's works with fondness, admiration and respect. A memorial event will be held at a later date to both remember and celebrate the life of this very special man who was deeply devoted to his family and profession. Memorial contributions my be made in Jim's honor to one of the following: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 435 Isom Rd., San Antonio, Texas 78216; Indiana University Class of '59 Anniversary Scholarship, Indiana University Foundation (www.iufoundation.iu.edu); The University of Texas Retired Faculty-Staff Association Scholarship Endowment Fund, Texas Exes, P.O. Box 7278, Austin, Texas 78713.