Obituary of James Robert Duncan

James Robert (Jim) Duncan was born April 29, 1930 in the Castor Hospital. Jim passed away at age 88 on September 6, 2018 in Stettler. He was the 11th of 12 children born to Harry and Sicelia Duncan. Jim married Elsie Schilling on April 24, 1953 and together they loved, laughed and worked very hard on the Duncan family farm south of Halkirk, raising their family of four children, Gwen, Randy and Ross (twins) and Murray. Jim farmed with his brother Donald, and together, with help from the families and a lot of hard work they ran a successful farm known as Duncan Brothers. Many great memories will be cherished from the years on the farm between the two families. Since Jim and Elsie lived on the original Duncan farm, their home was quite often the gathering spot for all the brothers and sisters to bring their families to meet for special occasions, like Christmas and Easter. Many impromptu Christmas concerts and lots of reminiscing was enjoyed in the living room and kitchen, always followed by a delicious meal for everyone. Family was a big part of Jim’s life. He was also very community minded and was an active member of the Halkirk Elks and was also a delegate for the Alberta Dairy Association. He enjoyed dancing, curling, and snowmobiling. In 1979 when they sold the farm, Jim and Elsie bought a motor home and moved to Stettler. It was during this time that they got to relax a little and enjoyed travelling and camping and fishing with their good friends, the Johnson’s, Davis’s and Berry’s. Playing the organ was a favorite pastime for Dad. Dad (Gramps) enjoyed many rounds of golf with his family and friends. In the winter, Dad and Mom made many trips to watch the “Calgary Flames” in the Saddledome. Dad (Gramps) will be lovingly remembered by his sons, Ross (Karen) Duncan; Murray (Linda) Duncan; son-in-law, Larry Jeske; sisters-in-law, Irene Duncan and Doreen Ortwein; grandchildren: Steve (Christy) Jeske, Sherri (Shaun) Bollinger, Ryan (Carleen) Jeske; Derek (Rhonda) Duncan, Heather (Darren) MacMillan, Dallas Duncan; Michelle (Richard) Bonin, Dustin (Ashley) Duncan; Tyler (Jenn) Duncan, Tanner (Michelle) Duncan; 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He is now reunited with his wife Elsie, daughter Gwen, and son Randy, his parents, Harry and Celia and all his brothers and sisters: Beattie, Peggy, Edwin, Sis, Toots, Fern, Jean, Alec, Donald, baby Mary, and Harry.