James Benjamin Duncan, beloved son, brother and father, died on June 27, 2019, at AdventHealth in Deland, Fla. He was 88. A resident of Deltona, Fla., he made his transition to our heavenly Father surrounded by the love of his family. James was a complicated man, capable of holding all his thoughts and feelings to himself, yet at the same time, he had the ability to showcase his sharp, sardonic wit to reveal one of the most charming men one could ever meet. He was a meticulous man who enjoyed the finer things in life. It was not unusual to have observed James, wearing a newsboy’s cap and aviator sunglasses, his face complete with a Fu Manchu mustache, cruising the streets of New York City behind the wheel of the latest Volvo, MG or Alfa Romeo sports car. “I loved that Alfa,” he said only days before his passing. “That was a really sharp car. I looked pretty good in that one, too.” James also displayed his humor by intentionally not remembering the names of his family members, especially his nieces and nephews, with many being called, “Babe,” “Jake” or “Marvin,” followed by his impish chuckle. When upset James would utter, “God bless America.” That was your cue to know he was not very happy. You also knew he wasn’t pleased or that he was flustered by the conversation if he began to stammer, “M-M-M-Momma, what is going on here?” And while he didn’t easily feel comfortable around many people, he loved animals, often caring for many of them at one time. He enjoyed eating Spanish food as well as the great sandwiches at Katz’ Deli in Manhattan, N.Y. While relaxing at home he enjoyed watching the TV show “American Pickers,” where two men from Iowa travel the country searching for and buying collectibles. James loved to watch the men haggle with the sellers. James was also a big fan of the “Jeopardy” game show on television. He would schedule his weekdays to make sure he was able to watch each night at 7 p.m. If you had the unfortunate timing to call during the show, he wouldn’t answer his phone, or he’d pick up and tell you that he would call you back after Alex Trebek was done. James graduated from the Pratt Institute in New York City with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was a proud veteran, having served with honor in the U.S Air Force during the Korean War. James served as a longtime investigator for the U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in New York City. Born in the Bronx, N.Y., on June 23, 1931, he was the son of the late Morris and Rosa Duncan. He was predeceased by three siblings, Vincent Duncan, Estelle Ramirez and Rita Shearod; and one son Edward Reid Duncan. He is survived by five children, Myra (Alan) MacGregor of Bristow, Va.; Mary Delaney of Ridgefield, S.C., Cynthia Duncan (William) Gray of Jersey City, N.J., Aisha (Willie) Daniels of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and Stephen Duncan Tyler of Port Washington, N.Y.; two brothers, Eugene (Eleanor) Duncan of Jacksonville, Fla., and Ivan (Jean) Duncan of Conyers, Ga.; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Services with be held on Saturday, July 13 at 9 a.m., at the Deltona Memorial Funeral Home, 1295 Saxon Road, Orange City, Fla. 32763. Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service.
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