James Thomas Duke, Sr., age 79 of Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his loving family on October 10, 2016.
Jim was born on December 26, 1936 in Akron, Ohio to Robert & Virgie Duke.
After graduating from high school, Jim married his soul mate and loving wife Phyllis Murphy who soon came to be his wife in June of 1955.
Jim and his Father partnered in running their gas station; “Dukes SoHio” in Akron for several years before starting his career with Ohio Edison Electric. Jim & Phyllis brought 4 loving children into this world. It was in 1968 that he moved the family to Arizona to be closer to his bride’s family, and to continue his career with Salt River Project until his retirement in 1995.
Jim was the most loving husband, father & grandfather to his entire family; up until his last breath, his only concern was focused on his family and their well being; the most selfless man that his family could have been blessed with.
Jim is survived by his dedicated and beautiful wife, Phyllis Duke, of 61 years, his children; James & wife Ricki, Darlene, Timothy & wife, Sharon and Theresa, and husband Dan; 2 brothers; Robert Duke & Joe Duke of Akron , 7 Grandchildren and 13 Great grandchildren.
Service will be held on Friday, October14, 2016 at Mountain View Memorial, 7900 East Main, Mesa, AZ at 10:00 am
Darlene & family…although I didn’t have the honor of knowing James…I can see that my friend Darlene has inherited a lot of her father’s wonderful traits. Thinking of you all as you celebrate his remarkable life and know you will hold close to your hearts all your cherished memories of how he touched your lives. God Bless.
Jim was one of the kindest man I know. A testament of that is the legacy he has left with his loving wife, thoughtful and caring children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren…..he will be missed, thought of often and I’m proud to have been called daughter #3….
My heartfelt condolences go out to the Duke family.. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. I love you and God bless you all !!
Darlene,
You are loved by so many & by reading the beautiful post above I can see that your father too was loved by so many & offered his love unconditionally to those who had the pleasure of knowing him! We are all thinking about you and love you Dar! Sending you & your family Hugs HUGE HUGE (******) XOXOXO!
Theresa,
I’m so sorry for your loss. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
This family has shown me nothing but love and are the most caring people I have ever met. When I stayed at their home with my best friend, their granddaughter, they took such good care of me I felt so loved. I love this family
Dear Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear loved one and send you my sincere condolences. May you find comfort from God’s word at Revelation 21:3,4 and John 5:28,29. Heartfelt prayers are with you and your family.
Darlene,
I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am about your father’s passing. Hold tight to memories for comfort, lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you are cared about.
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Grandpa Duke would pull me aside and say ” what a beautiful family you’ve made there” while we look over his great grand babies running and playing with their cousins. I’d say “you had a good big part in that too grandpa!” and he chuckled. Truly, a kind loving and strong man.
All those beautiful great grand babies, all of us, will remember you and love you forever Grandpa! XOXO – The Switzers
I’m so sorry for your loss. May the good memories and the funny memories comfort you in the days ahead.