Obituary of Jim Duncan

Peacefully at his home in Nilestown surrounded by his family, Jim said ,“Bye I love you” one last time. A loving husband of 48 years to Maureen (nee Shacklady), “Moe”. Beloved father of Erica and Darryl O’Brien and Josh and Julie Duncan. Cherished Grandfather of Erin and Romy. Step Grandfather of Brendan O’Brien and Great grandfather of Jackson. Loving Jimpa of Jesse and Lucja (Lu) Grant. Special Grampa Jim to Keira, Alyssa, Kai, and Van Wilson. Predeceased by his parents Bob and Mae (nee Perkin) Duncan and his beloved mother-in-law Marie Shacklady (Gramma) and brother-in-law Rick Smily. Loved big brother of Don, Janice (Brian Merrifield) and Ann (Scott Livingston – Aka Cottage Scott). Brother-in-law and special friend of Tom Shacklady (Susan Banks), Colleen Smily and Kathleen Nurse. Best “Uncle Jim” ever to Laura Smily, Sarah and Scott Berlet, Patrick Smily, Ellyse Shacklady and Jason Russell, Charlotte Nurse, Kaylyn Merrifield, Christopher (Sparky) Blancher, Nicholas Blancher. Great Uncle Jim of Cassidy Smily, Keagen Berlet, Callum Blancher.

Jim was born May 10th, 1948 at the Red Cross Hospital in Bracebridge, Ontario and lived in Gravenhurst for his first three years. His family then moved to London, Ontario where Jim’s life of good natured shenanigans began. Growing up in the “East End” Jim built a circle of friends around him that became family. It was here, where Jim also met the love of his life, Moe whom he married in 1970. Together they built a loving home, had two wonderful children and created everlasting memories, traditions and a sense of adventure that will last generations . He worked at CIP Containers in London for 24 years and at CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll for 12 years before retiring in 2007. Jim made many good friends in both places, and wherever he went. He valued connection and found joy by bringing people together and creating a strong community. This sense of friendship and belonging, extended to the Duncan’s cottage which became a heaven for many, and Jim’s happy place.

Jim enjoyed fishing, canoeing, camping, humour, and a good bonfire. The life of the party, Jim loved to joke, tease and spend time with the next generation – who were closer to his maturity level than anyone his own age. Jim’s motto was “growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional”.

He leaves a wonderful legacy through his music, stories and words of wisdom – which will be greatly missed. 

Visitation at Forest Lawn Funeral Home 2001 Dundas St. London, Sat. February, 9th, 2019 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Celebration of life and reception to follow immediately at 3:00 p.m. Cremation has already taken place.

Bye, we love you.