JAMES ALLAN (JIM) DUNCAN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JAMES ALLAN (JIM) DUNCAN July 24, 1925 May 25, 2013 It is with sadness and fond memories that the family of James Duncan announces his passing on Saturday, May 25, 2013 with family by his side. Jim was predeceased by his father: Walter Stanley; mother: Vera Mae (Bain); brother: Douglas; sister: Eva and brother-in-law Garry Goodridge; and brother Harvey. Jim leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Evelyn (nee Beatty); son: Allan and wife Joanne, grandchildren Diana (Kenneth Peters) and Christopher (Sabrina); great-grandchildren Brayden and Avery Peters; daughter: Lori and husband Bryan Currie, brother; Erle (Julie); sisters and brothers-in-law Ruth Duncan; Kay (Alan Southwood); Clare Beatty (and special friend Eileen); Vylo (Ed McDermit); Dianne (Mal Valentini); Eleanor Silver; Lloyd (Edith) Beatty; Dewayne Remmie; Art (Mertie) Beatty and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim was born on July 24, 1924 on the family farm in the RM of North Norfolk and educated at Springbrook. He worked one winter for Jim Walker of the Orangeville District and the C.N. Exira section. Jim enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1944. After his discharge, he farmed with his father and brother Harv, drove livestock transfers for John McDonald of Edrans and Jack Stephenson of Austin. On October 10, 1949 he married Evelyn. Following the death of his mother in 1964, Jim, Evelyn and the family moved to the family farm. Their farming operation consisted of grain and various livestock enterprises including a successful livestock order buyer operation which eventually became known as Duncan's Livestock and continues in business today. For over 50 years "Gentleman Jim" has been ringside at Manitoba Auction Marts. Dad got started in the business in the 1950s buying stocker cattle which ended up going south into Iowa and South Dakota stockyards. In the 1960s he started filling railway cars headed to Ontario. By word of mouth, his attention to business and to his customer's needs, he earned respect across the cattle business. His customers had confidence in the man with the shy smile and slower step, confidence that he earned by properly filling their orders. Even after almost six decades in the cattle business his commitment to his customers, now long time friends, and the love of the business kept him on the road. When asked if he ever thought about hanging up his "Cane" Dad said- "Some time it will have to happen, but just when it does, we're not sure". Over the years Jim also served on numerous boards including the Austin Credit Union, Brown Swiss Association (Jim's farm was the second farm in Manitoba to raise Brown Swiss Cattle which were imported from the USA), Portage Consumers Co op, Austin Local Farmer's Union, Manitoba Pool Elevators and the Manitoba Debt Review Board. Jim served on the council for the RM of North Norfolk for 23 years, 21 of those as Reeve. In 2010, Jim was honoured to receive a Lifetime Membership Award in the Canadian Livestock Curling Association. Dad and Mom enjoyed their adventures in their motorhome with friends and family, traveling extensively throughout Canada and the USA. Some of the most memorable trips were to Orangegrove Park in Texas and two trips to Alaska. Dad always enjoyed his annual trip to Ontario to visit with the many friends he had met over the years in the cattle business. Dad enjoyed gardening and loved flowers. Every spring, just as soon as he could get the tractor out, he was getting the garden ready to plant. Each year the garden seemed to grow a little larger. There were always extra veggies and bouquets of gladiolus to give to friends and family after a visit. Friends and family were very important to Jim, especially dear were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the paramedics from MacGregor, the staff of the emergency room and Dr. Merideth and nursing staff from the Brandon General Hospital for their generous care. Funeral service will be held on Monday, June 3, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. in the MacGregor United Church, 12 Hampton Ave E, MacGregor, MB, with Shannon Bodnarchuk presiding. Interment will follow in Austin Cemetery. Should friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. A tribute DVD in memory of Jim will be produced by the Omega Funeral Home, condolences may be sent to the family c/o Omega Funeral Home, 83 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 1T8, 1-800-303-4621 or friends may leave a message of sympathy on our web site www.omegafuneralhome.com "Dedicated to those we serve".

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 01, 2013