Jack Albert Duncan

DUNCAN, Jack Albert, 84, died suddenly February 26, 2017, at his home. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia H. Duncan; his son, Mark R. Duncan and his wife, Elizabeth; and his daughter, Jill Duncan Hurd and her husband, Charles W. Hurd, III. His grandchildren, Samuel R. Duncan, Molly E. Duncan, Charles W. Hurd, IV, and Jack Duncan Hurd also survive him. Jack grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He was the first person in his family to enroll in college—Millersville State Teachers College. There he met his beloved wife, Patsy, and graduated with a degree in education. While teaching high school English full-time, he attended Temple University where he received a master’s degree in education. He then entered the doctoral program at the University of Georgia, receiving his degree in guidance and counseling. Ultimately, he became a professor of guidance and counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University in the School of Education. While a professor, Jack was president of the Association of Specialists in Group Work and was active in the Virginia Professional Guidance Association. In 1980, he received the VPGA’s Career Service Award for outstanding achievement. In 2003, the Virginia Counselors Association awarded him the John R. Cook Award for meritorious service. Upon retiring, Jack endowed a student scholarship in his name at VCU. In addition to his professional achievements, Jack was an excellent athlete. He installed an asphalt basketball court in his backyard for the neighborhood kids, but he usually could be seen playing hoops along with them. He was an avid runner and often jogged in the Fan during his lunch hour. At age 56, he ran his first marathon. He continued running at the American Family Fitness Center where he enjoyed close friendships with his early morning jogging and weightlifting crew. He also played golf and was good at finding lost balls in the weeds. Jack’s greatest satisfaction in life was derived from his relationships and shared experiences. His bountiful garden supplied friends and neighbors with vegetables for many summers and provided his grandchildren the opportunity to pick produce and make a scarecrow. He and Patsy traveled the world and made lasting friendships with fellow travelers and people whom they met abroad. He possessed carpentry and mechanical skills and was always willing to lend a hand with a repair, many of which actually worked. He made late night airport pick ups without complaint, and he mowed neighbors’ lawns when they went out of town. He had a giving heart and an encouraging word for all. He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed. A gathering of friends and family to celebrate Jack’s life will be held from 2:00-5:00 on Friday, March 3, 2017 at Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Road, Richmond, Va. 23229. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to the Jack A. Duncan Scholarship Fund, c/o Development and Alumni Relations, P.O. Box 843042, Richmond, Va. 23286 or at www.soe.vcu.edu/transformations/scholarships/jduncan.php.