Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

Jim Thomas Duncan, 75, of Gillespie, Ill., died at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. He was born June 16, 1947, in Litchfield to David and Ruth Christian Duncan. He married Theresa K. Brown on June 26, 1971, at Saints Simon & Jude Church in Gillespie. She survives.

He was a graduate of Gillespie High School Class of 1965. He was a veteran after having been a Staff Sergeant with the Air Force from June 2, 1965, to Dec. 10, 1968. He was a Certified Class A Ford Mechanic. He worked for two years at Flexible Metal Hoses in Elgin, one year for Flexible Metal Hoses in St. Louis, Mo., and 37.5 years for Drew Ford in Gillespie. Jim was a member of the EZ Riders Saddle Club, Saturday Breakfast Group at Miners Restaurant, Big Piney Horse Camp for 42 years and Thursday Night Table Thumpers at 16 West. He was an avid Nascar fan and all forms of auto racing. His interest in dirt track racing began as a pit crew member at Godfrey Speedway. He collected and restored antique tractors. He was an avid animal lover, hunting enthusiast, fishing enthusiast. Jim was well known for his cooking. He enjoyed "dinging around" his farm, country line dancing and ballroom dancing. He hosted many annual trail rides at the Double D family campground. Jim was a friend to all and was generous with his time and talents to anyone in need.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa Duncan of Gillespie, siblings, John (Ann) Duncan of Knoxville, Tenn., Marilyn (Bob) McMillan of Gillespie; sisters-in-law, Ann Rolando of Carlinville, Peggy (Bill) Geurin of Mt. Carmel; nieces and nephews, Steve (Ingrid) Duncan of Knoxville, Tenn., Scott (Susie) Duncan of Omaha, NE, Stacy (Mike) Felker of Omaha, Neb., Rob McMillan of Gillespie, Ryan McMillan of Palm Desert, Calif., Jim Rolando of Lake of the Hills, Julie (Brian) Foster of Lockport, Mike Geurin of Mt. Carmel; cousins, Alice Duncan of Alpharetta, Ga., Bill (Andrea) Duncan of Carlinville; godson, Pete Duncan of Gillespie; many great-nieces, great-nephews and all his four legged children which he affectionately called "fools and worthless." Jim was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Robert Allan Duncan; brother-in-law, Jim Rolando; and nephew John Geurin.

Friends may call on Friday, Jan. 20, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 4 until 7 p.m. and on Saturday, Jan. 21, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 10 a.m. until the time of service which will be at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Gillespie. The family suggests that anyone attending wear casual wear.

Memorials are suggested to Adopt-A-Pet or Macoupin County Animal Shelter. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at http://www.kravanyafuneral.com.