I would like to extend my deepest condolences to JJ's family. I worked with JJ for many years, and he was without a doubt the kindest, sweetest person that I have ever met. Rest in peace dear friend.

Thank you all for helping us celebrate the incredible life my Dad lived, we appreciate all of your thoughts, prayers and support as we say goodbye. Our family is so grateful to be surrounded by so many people that cared for him. Though our hearts are grieving, we will lean on each other.

JJ Duran - Eulogy (Part 2)
     But, he might have been best known for his love of treats, and you wouldn’t dare offer him a treat without nuts! I don’t think there’s anyone else who keeps a stash of sodas in their linen closet and a deli drawer full of candy bars in the fridge. He kept a candy bowl filled on his desk at work to share with coworkers who stopped by and was always ready to offer a mint from his pocket. 
Dad lived his life always thinking of others and was first up to offer a helping hand, even when his health started struggling. It was tough to see my Dad with his brilliant, sharp mind be held hostage by a body that was failing him. But even in his weakness and pain, he held steadfast to the faith modeled for him by his parents, to find his strength. He also never stopped making everyone feel welcome and appreciated when they visited with him, and those visits from all of you meant the world.
     Though his health struggles were heartbreaking, it has shown me God’s love, provision and His ability to use people for good in this world. My Dad’s wish was to remain home for his care, and I want to acknowledge the heart and dedication of my Mom to make that happen. She lived her wedding vows in sickness and health to stay by his side until his last breaths. But she also didn’t have to do it alone. They say it takes a village and this holds true for new life, the ups and downs of life, and in the end. She was supported by my sister and her husband. Marcus put all his heart and strength into helping my Dad any way he could, lifting him both physically and spiritually. The nurses from Pruitt Hospice were amazing and provided excellent care and peace of mind for my Mom. She knew they were only a phone call away for support and advice. I also could never express how thankful we all are for the care given by Nohemy and Clara. They have been a blessing to our family and are truly gifted caregivers that went above and beyond for my Mom and Dad.
Rest in Peace Dad

JJ Duran – Eulogy (Part 1)
By: Ashlee Popka
     My Dad, JJ, Lt Col, Pops to his grandkids, Uncle J, Son and Husband – he was loved under every name. In preparing to speak, I wondered, how do you capture someone so important into words? How do I do justice to what he meant to all of us? So, I’ve asked the Holy Spirit to speak to your hearts and convey what my words can’t, while I will do my best to honor him.
     I will start with words you all have shared in remembering my Dad and what he meant to you. I have heard – kind, humble, salt of the Earth, servant, smart, unassuming, precious, dearly loved, nice, brilliant, and a great man. What a legacy to leave behind. I feel so lucky to have had a father who lived his life in a way that brings those words to light in his memory.
     As we were collecting photos to share, it brought back many memories, some that I knew and some new stories I’ve heard. I’ve always loved hearing stories of his life as the oldest of eight children moving all over the world. I was on the edge of my seat hearing tales of his days at the Academy, especially his survival class and then his pilot training. My favorite is the story of my parents meeting in the military, him as a pilot and my mom chatting over the radio. That led to the story of me and my 2 siblings (a pretty great part of the story), he would push us in the wheelbarrow around the yard, swing us around by our arms, and bring back treats from his trips as a pilot. And we can’t forget taking us for rides in his beautiful white Corvette with his classic Aviator sunglasses on.
     Dad also loved writing poems for special occasions – he wrote one for my cheerleading squad going to state and another beautiful one for my wedding.

JJ and I were classmates & squadron mates at the Academy. After graduation we went through pilot school together at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia. I had an electric barbecue grill I would bring out on weekends. JJ, Tom Schmidt (another classmate) and I would all cook our steaks on it together. I had one pot and  we would pour a can of baked beans and a can of corn in together and heat them up while the steaks cooked. When the steaks were done we would ladle the combined corn and beans on to our plates next to our steaks. Although we were living on 2nd Lieutenant pay we thought were rich and living like kings.
JJ was one of the nicest people I know. I will miss him. I called his phone yesterday just to hear his voice on the answering machine.

JJ was master at nick names for all ! As kids playing backyard football he was QB and would draw a route to run on his hand. He than ran the play and i was no where near his expected route, soon i was known as wrong way, peach fuzz!! ❤️ 
Later in life it changed to “Tomasco” and never changed,,,,

OBITUARIO

Jack Julian Duran

9 abril, 1952 – 4 febrero, 2025

Owen Funeral Home

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