James L. Duncan 1927-2016
Osborn, MO- James Logan Duncan, 88, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2016.
Commonly called Jim, his was a testament to a life well lived. Born to Joseph Duncan III & Lydia Bernice (Hughes) Duncan (both deceased) on December 20, 1927, Jim was the youngest of five boys. He was preceded in death by his brothers Joseph IV, Clay, Norman and Robert and their wives Jane, Inez, Rosemary and Hazel.
A graduate of Cameron High School in 1945, Jim served in the U.S. Army as part of the occupational forces in Japan. He was attached to the 25th Infantry Division, 65th Combat Engineer Battalion.
After being honorably discharged from the Army, Jim returned to the Osborn, MO area to farm. Jim and his brothers formed Pony Express Farms, Inc. with Jim serving as the farm manager. Jim and his brother Joseph IV also were owners of the Osborn Farm Service. Mr. Duncan loved the farm and was a well known steward of the land as an early adopter of many soil conservation practices. He enjoyed raising livestock, growing crops, operating farm equipment and fixing things in his life’s chosen career.
Jim contributed to his community by serving on countless boards including the Osborn R-O School District, Clinton County Soil & Water Conservation District and Osborn Evergreen Cemetery boards, among others. He was also a member of several organizations including the Osborn United Methodist Church, Lincoln-Anderson American Legion Post 169 and the Osborn Lion’s Club.
A lover of traveling and seeing what was “around the bend”, Jim was able to see much of the United States during his life. He was lucky enough to travel to areas outside the country including Ireland and Scotland, Canada, several Caribbean islands, Central America and Mexico. He loved country music, especially the music of Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys and Asleep at the Wheel. A lover of movies, Jim enjoyed adventurous fare such as Lonesome Dove and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Most importantly, Mr. Duncan was a family man and friend to many. He is survived by his wife Shirley Ann (Bradford) Duncan. Married in 1951, they enjoyed 64 years together. To this union, three surviving children were born: Linda Sue Young, Deborah Jo (Cornelius) Britt and Steven Joseph (Heather) Duncan. Mr. Duncan also is survived by five grandchildren: Tim (Amber) Jenkins, Phil (Deanett) Young, David (Jenny) Britt, Mike (Ania) Britt and Nick (Lindsey) Britt; and six great grandchildren: Aubree Young, Ethan Young, Cooper Jenkins, Trevor Jenkins, Kate Britt and Griffin Britt. Jim was preceded in death by one grandchild, Craig Jenkins. He was beloved by his family as a great father and husband.
A life well lived indeed.
Services: 2:00 PM, Thursday, March 10, 2016 at the Poland Thompson Funeral Home with visitation Wednesday evening from 6:00- 8:00 PM. Burial in Osborn Evergreen Cemetery, Osborn, Missouri. Memorial donations: Osborn United Methodist Church and/or Osborn Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangement by Poland Thompson Funeral Home.
Online condolences: www.polandthompson.com
