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ROBERT JAMES (JIM) DUNCAN

Born: Oct 04, 1942

Date of Passing: Apr 09, 2018

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ROBERT JAMES (JIM) DUNCAN Jim Duncan, age 75, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, passed away at 8:45 a.m., on Monday, April 9, 2018 at the Grace General Hospital. He was born on October 4, 1942 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and was one of five children born to Eileen and James Duncan. In 1966, he married Sydney Joy Foskett and they were very happy for 52 years. Also surviving are daughter Susan Delaney, son-in-law Doug Delaney and grandsons Nicholas and Chad Delaney. Jim is survived by his sister Joan Dalgliesh (Jim), brother Donald (Patti), and brother-in-law Bob Foskett (Donna). Jim was also uncle and great-uncle to numerous nephews and nieces. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Eileen and James, as well as brother, David Duncan and sister, Susan Duncan. His beloved son, James Andrew Duncan also preceded him in death. Jim attended elementary school in Fort Garry and graduated from high school at Viscount Alexander Collegiate Institute. Here, Jim's love of football began when he started playing on the inaugural team of the Fort Garry Lions. Later, he played for the University of Manitoba Bisons throughout his studies in education. After retiring as a player, Jim continued his association with Fort Garry; a love affair which lasted some 60 years. Jim graduated from the Faculty of Education with a Bachelor, and later a Masters of Education. He began teaching in Calgary, and after moving back to Winnipeg, worked as a guidance counsellor. Jim was vice principal and later, principal of several schools in the Winnipeg School Division. His main philosophy was that schools needed to be good places for boys and girls. Jim loved to travel with Sydney and family to anywhere hot; Mexico, Arizona, Florida. He also enjoyed visiting around his own pool. In his retirement years, he loved playing golf with Doug and brother Don. A celebration of Jim's life will take place at Trinity United Church, 933 Summerside Avenue, on Saturday, April 14, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. Reverends Elizabeth Brown and Milly Malavsky will be officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the The Manitoba Lung Association, 301 - 1 Wesley Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4C6 or to Football Manitoba, 145 Pacific Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2Z6, phone 204-925-5769.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 12, 2018

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

  • Sydney and family our deepest condolences go out to you and the Duncan clan. Although we have not had contact for many years, I will always remember Jim as this big fun guy while visiting at Gull Lake, and the odd family get together. I know that you will all miss him. - Posted by: Bruce Foskett (Cousin) on: Apr 29, 2018

  • Dear Sydney and Duncan and Dalgliesh families, we are very sorry about the death of such a beloved person as Jim. We can only imagine the void his passing creates, but we are comforted in the full live he led, the lives he changed and the joy he brought to others. May you find peace in the beautiful memories he left. Blessings, Moses and Cintra Kanhai, Regina, SK. - Posted by: Moses and Cintra Kanhai (Friend) on: Apr 25, 2018

  • Only golfed a couple of times with Jim but was a great person to play with and to meet. Doug, Sydney and Sue was a a joy to talk and be with Jim. My heartfelt regards to all of you and your family. - Posted by: Bob Victoruk (Friend) on: Apr 14, 2018

  • We spent a lot of time together on Art's Student Council 1961-5. Always involved and cheerful. A wonderful guy. Wilma and Wilson - Posted by: Wilma (Hewitson) and Wilson Parasiuk (Friends) on: Apr 13, 2018

  • Our sincere condolences to Jim’s family and his brother-in-law Bob Foskett and wife Donna. Over the years we have heard many stories; some funny, some heartwarming. He will be missed by all who knew him. - Posted by: Jack and Heather Adams (Aquaintance ) on: Apr 13, 2018

  • Every once in a while in a lifetime you will meet an individual that will make such a strong impact in a young mans life.....such was Jim. My son Nick started his football “career” with Fort Garry Lions and he was mortified to take the field as he was teased/ bullied by a few of the “alpha” male players he knew from a previous school that he attended. My son sat on the bench and just could not take that step on the field and I had a talk with Mr. Duncan that evening and he said “Nick when you are ready you just come on out and we will be ready for you”. He was incredible. Nick took the field and he has not looked back....spent many a nights talking with him after the practices and he had a heart of gold. As Nick was the largest player on the team Mr Duncan sought out the jersey and equipment that fit him and would always assure us that he would keep it in his “secret hiding spot in the clubhouse”. And he did every year. God bless you, Jim. You will remain in our memories. - Posted by: Darren Ingleson (Son played for Fort Garry Lions) on: Apr 13, 2018

  • Over the past 12 years or so, it was my privilege to get to work beside Jim at the football field in Fort Garry. In many ways, Jim was the caring and enthusiastic Grandpa at the field for every player and parent that passed through. Everyone will remember the conversations with him as they were getting their equipment fitted, his love for the game, how he cared for the players....and his disdain for the color red. :) I want to thank Sydney and family for sharing Jim with us on all the those spring, summer, and fall nights at the football field, and for letting us talk to him on the phone at home, when other football things came up unexpectedly. God Bless. - Posted by: Wes Mueller (Fort Garry Lions Football) on: Apr 13, 2018

  • Deepest condolences to Jim’s family and friends I met Jim while working on the board at Fort Garry Lions Football Club. He always had kind words to say of others and shared such passion and inspiration for the Fort Garry Lions Football teams players and families Rest In Peace Jim, you will not be forgotten - Posted by: Stacey (Friend) on: Apr 12, 2018

  • I worked with Jim at the Fort Garry Lions for may years, during which time he volunteered as our equipment manager, as a league representative and a member of our board of directors. Most importantly though, he served as an example to all, parents, coaches and players of what it takes to be a true citizen, of what it is to be a fine human being, There are literally thousands of boys and girls, many now men & women, who were able to play and learn the life skills inherent to football safely and with confidence because of the care, attention and encouragement they received from Jim. He was always there, he was always positive, he was always unfailingly caring. He is deeply missed & will always be fondly remembered. Our deepest condolences to Sydney and his family. - Posted by: Richard Holden & Susan Close (Fort Garry Lions colleague & friend) on: Apr 12, 2018

  • Hugs and prayers to all our Winnipeg family members. We had so much fun growing up together and at your pool in Winnipeg with family and friends. Your quick wit and love for our HUGE family will always be cherished in our hearts. Love to Sydney and Susan especially...love you Jimmy Duncan. - Posted by: Betty Lou Rice (Cousin) on: Apr 12, 2018

  • My family and I are deeply saddened. “Dunc” was so close to our family during the Fort Garry days, and always had a great story to tell, embellished with great style. Jim, my brothers Ted Ransby and Ned Brown, and I, all played for Fort Garry Lions during the 50’s and 60’s. The Lions were highly successful on the field, but more importantly developed lifetime friendships. Jim went even further. He invested his talent, energy and passion over many decades to make the Lions a huge success both on and off the field. What a champion! We extend our deepest condolences to Sydney and the whole family. Jim was an inspiration to us all. From Naples Florida, Ken Ransby - Posted by: Ken Ransby (Friend) on: Apr 12, 2018

  • Mr. Duncan was my principal while I attended Junior High at Cecil Rhodes, he always believed in me and my abilities even when some others did not, it was this belief that pushed me to become the individual I am today. For this I will be forever grateful. I was looking forward to working alongside of him in growing the great sport of football and learning even more from him. Thank you Mr. Duncan and my condolences go out to the family with this great lose. - Posted by: Keith Smith (Former Student) on: Apr 12, 2018

  • Our deepest condolences on Jim’s passing. Jim was a real gentleman and was truly the heart and soul of the Fort Garry Lions Football program for so many years. Aynsley and I were so very privileged to get to know Jim during the time we spent with the club and know that he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. - Posted by: Dale and Aynsley Ward (Fort Garry Lions Football friends) on: Apr 12, 2018

  • My condolences to the family. Jim and I worked together at John M. King School and remained friends for many years. - Posted by: Jim Patterson (friend) on: Apr 12, 2018

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