James “Jamie” Duncan
Died: January 15, 2018 | Place: London, ON
Obituary
DUNCAN, James ….
Unexpectedly at home, on Monday, January 15, 2018, James “Jamie” passed away at the age of 54. Beloved husband of Dottie for 22 years. Proud, loving and active father of Riley, Jayden and Matthew Duncan. Son of Grace and the late George Duncan. Cherished brother of Patricia (Lyle) Pollock and Ron (Heather) Duncan. Missed by many nieces and nephews. Jamie graduated from the University of Guelph with a degree in Marine Biology. He was a publicly recognized leader at the Nature Conservancy of Canada since April 1995. It has made Jamie proud to bring awareness, to protect and conserve this magical place called Canada for future generations. Jamie was a passionate coach to his sons and teammates with the Oakridge Hockey Association. Jamie enjoyed spending many summers at Killarney Provincial Park. Friends are welcomed for visiting on Thursday, January 18, 2018 from 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A service honouring James will take place in the chapel on Friday, January 19, 2018 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, Jamie would truly appreciate a donation to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, 1606-148 Fullarton Street, London, ON N6A 5P3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our condolences and may our prayers help comfort you.
Dottie, & Riley, Jayden and Matt – I am so very sorry for your loss. I always appreciated how light-hearted and kind your Dad was. And so very proud of all of you, no matter what. Hold each other tight, and know that I’m thinking of all of you.
James has left an incredible legacy conserving Ontario’s special places and with a passion and flare that was truly his own. He will be missed by so many of us in the conservation field. My thoughts are with all of you during this extremely difficult time.
We loved him as the brother he was to so many of us.
He was one of the good guys.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Only knew him about 13 years, but man, the boat got rocked and things got done – always with a few “yea right” raised eyebrows and a hearty laugh.
Cared immensely about so many things which really matter.
Still struggling to accept this.
So, so sad.
Love ya bro, and will always miss you.
I’ve been privileged to know James since his days at Ontario Heritage Foundation and we have been colleagues for many years working to secure a legacy of natural heritage for all Canadians. James sparkled and was the rarest of creatures – a pragmatic idealist. Greatly missed.
We are so sorry for your loss, and are sending lots of love your way. Jamie was a wonderful father and friend, and we will always cherish our memories of the times we spent with him and you all.
We loved him like a brother.
In the 13 years I had the honour to know him, he rocked the boat and made good things happen.
He was a passionate family man.
He made a tremendous difference on Pelee and across Canada.
You will be missed and thought of often.
To Dottie, Riley, Jayden and Mathew – James was one of the good guys, in many ways.
We love ya bro.
I am deeply sorry about James’ untimely passing. My heartfelt sympathy goes to his family. I first met James and the NCC in 1995 about a property in Cambridge. When I became Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry in 2016 we again worked together. I am truly grateful for his passionate, inspiring work and his advice to me to preserve so much of Ontario’s natural environment! His legacy will remain in the special places preserved for our collective future. Thank you to his family who shared the gift of James to Ontarians.
Dottie & family,
So very sorry to hear of Jamie’s passing. My heart breaks for all of you, take comfort in the arms of each other and cherish the memories made together.
Thinking of you during this time, praying for comfort in the days to come.
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you guys.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Duncan family.
James was a great leader in conservation. He challenged and inspired us all to work for nature. His legacy includes helping protect vast amounts of threatened habitat across this great land of ours. He will truly be missed.
Dottie,
We are profoundly sorry for such a loss. Jamie always greeted us with a smile and his caring nature will be remembered. You and the boys are in our thoughts.
We are so saddened to hear about this and will greatly miss Jamie’s smile and cheerfulness. He brought a fantastic attitude to our son’s hockey team. Prayers and thoughts for the Duncan family.
James’s passing is an enormous loss to conservation in Canada and an even greater loss to his family. We shared many wonderful experiences with James – flying around Cockburn Island, dining and enjoying ourselves in Tobermory, entertaining donors to NCC events and at Ontario Board meetings. James was a constant in my involvement with NCC and it’s hard to imagine the future without him. But he leaves a legacy of accomplishments that will long be remembered.
To his family, our most sincere condolences. We hurt with you but we celebrate his achievements.
James made an extraordinary contribution to the conservation world, and he will be missed. My condolences to his family in this difficult time.
We are so heart broken for the Duncan Family. I knew Jamie as a fellow Riverside parent and he was such a sweet and kind man. Our deepest sympathies go out to you and may you find strength in eachother.
~The Cox Family
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Dottie, Riley, Jayden and Matthew. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
I had the pleasure of working with James at NCC. He was proud of his conservation work but prouder still of his boys and Dottie. After one of his big hugs, it’s what we always talked about first when we saw each other.
Oh Dottie,absolutely heartbroken to hear about Jamie.I have fond memories of chatting with Jamie while watching Hayden and Matt practice at the arena.A wonderful man left us far too soon.You will all be in my prayers.
Deepest condolences to James’ family in this difficult time. I worked as a summer tech. at the NCC and got to know James for 3 days in May. He was quick to share how proud he was of his family and of course his passion for the NCC. I will never forget the impression you left on us.
We are very sorry to hear of the Duncan family’s loss. Thinking of all of you
To dottie and the boys i am truly saddened by jamies passing my heart breaks for you. Hold on tight to each other and remember the good memories. Love you all.
I am truly heartbroken for you guys.please except my condolences. Hold each other close and remember the good memories. Love to dottie and the boys.
Dottie, Riley, Jayden and Matt- We are so very sorry for your loss. Please accept our deepest condolences and know that you are in our thoughts during this extremely difficult time.
James accomplished a lot in his too-short life. He had vision and drive and was always pleasant and courteous to deal with. He will be missed.
F. David Rounthwaite
On behalf of the Oakridge faculty, please accept our most sincere condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts are with you.
I’m so very saddened to hear of this horrendous news. I worked closely with James for several years as a valued partner and colleague during my work at the MNR, and he was always such a pleasure to talk to, laugh with and overcome challenges with. Such dedication and loyalty to conservation. We have lost a great champion. Thinking of all of those who loved and cherished him so dearly. So sorry for the incredible loss.
Dottie, Riley, Jayden, Matt,
I am saddened to hear about your loss and I express my sincere sympathy to your family. James was a great husband and father. You are in my thoughts during this tough time.
James was a true friend of conservation and of the Thames Talbot Land Trust. We will miss working with him and his expert advice.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Firstly, my condolences to Dottie, Riley, Jayden and Matthew. Though I only met Jayden in person, exploring the wilds of Wilson Island with you and your dad in 2010, I feel I have still known the rest of you for years. There was no prouder dad and husband, and James’ NCC family got to hear all the best stories about your life together. Working with James was a privilege (and just a darn good time!). He was passionate, brilliant, hopeful (and hilariously cynical at the same time), strategic, and inspired everyone he crossed paths with. He corralled me into multiple jobs I didn’t think I was ready for, and then provided the support I needed to be successful – he was a true mentor and leader. His laugh, his cruel sense of humour, those big hugs, all of our talks, everything he was as a boss, and all he achieved for conservation in Ontario, will never be forgotten.
James’ accomplishments in protecting nature and special places, particularly in southwestern Ontario, leave a legacy for all of us and for future generations. Thank you James –you will be missed.
I had the sincere pleasure of working with James on the Wilson Island and Big Trout Bay protection projects. He was funny and warm and a most sincere conservationist. He leaves a wonderful legacy that will last for all time. My heart hurts for his family and friends. Conservation will miss his footprint.
Dottie,
Jamie will always be remembered by us for his kind and generous nature, and as a wonderful father to Riley, Jayden and Matthew.
We are so very sorry for your loss.
There are no words just know our thoughts are with you all.
Much Love
Mandy and family
I didn’t know James well, but I know his children, and it’s clear he was a wonderful father, with a kind heart. Lots of love to you all.
Our condolences to James family and friends.
Bill and Karen Covello
Thunder Bay
James the 23rd, we were supposed to get together next week so that, in part, I could endure the brunt of your satirical jokes and views while we discussed NCC business. The ribbing of course were always good natured and I realize now how much I will miss them and you…
Your friendship and comradery will be profoundly missed. But your conservation legacy will live on!
To his family, that he spoke so highly of, my sincere condolences.
Lynn and I are deeply saddened to learn of James’ death. It was a great privilege to work with such a kind, considerate and gifted person. He left his mark on me and on my community, Pelee Island.
James, you will be remembered as long as I can walk or cycle to my favourite wild areas on Pelee, and long thereafter when we join you.
My deepest condolences for your loss, and as a member of the NCC family, share that loss. His great work and character will be fondly remembered and firmly built on.
I only met James once, while writing an article about the preservation of Big Trout Bay, but I will never forget him. His passion for conservation was so intense and genuine. What a legacy. My deepest condolences to his family and colleagues at the NCC.
We are deeply saddened by the death James. We cherish our friendship with James and are forever grateful such a fine man graced our lives. We will never forgot our last visit with him at Big Trout Bay. Such a wonderful, delightful, always smiling, always positive, thoughtful, forward thinking, wise man.
We extend our most heartfelt and sincere condolences to James’ family and friends.
Mary and John
Duluth, MN
There are just no words to express how sorry we are to hear the news of Jamie. May you find peace in the wonderful memories you all have together.
Dottie and boys.
Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. A wonderful man and father, great neighbour, and always ready to lend an ear or a hand. You are in our thoughts.
We’ve lost one of the great champions of conservation. Jamie was a brother to all biologists who share his ideals, a true standout, a mover & shaker within that rare community of scientists, bridging the boundaries between the biological, political & public spheres. He was a consummate Ontarian & fellow U. of Guelph grad & Killarney soul-mate. We’ve always appreciated his qualities in communication & application of science at NCC. His professional legacy secure, Jamie’s kids remain the truest beneficiaries of his talents. His humility & sense of humour that became particularly spicy in stressful, down-to-the-wire moments, made him an unforgettable role model. Deepest condolences and love from our family to his.
Dottie & Family,
No words will ever convey how truly sorry I am for your loss. I never knew Jamie, but just seeing his picture shows how remarkable he must have been. Sending you love & strength ??
A terrible loss that will be felt across Ontario. My condolences to family and friends on behalf of The Couchiching Conservancy. The world needed more James.
It is with great sadness that I received the new of the death of James. He was a great man, who left to early. To all his family I would like to express my deepest condolences.
Dominique Leclerc
From Nature Conservancy in Quebec
Dear Dottie and family: We are so very sad to hear of Jamie’s untimely passing. We wish we were able to be with you at this time. Jamie will be truly missed by all of you, his friends and colleagues. We are keeping you in our thoughts. Hugs and love, Gay, Ross, Mike & Jo!
There are many things I could share, but even if I shared all I knew, I couldn’t begin to encompass the depth, the strength, the determination and the joy James took in his work and his life, and especially his family.
James was an incredible story teller, master of timing. If you’d heard it and were witnessing someone else’s first hearing, he’d wink, just a little, as if sharing the joke. There are times in every business setting where the ‘public’ manners come off and you are amongst ‘work family’, at least if you’re lucky enough to work with the people I do. Those times are special, and create a team that can withstand the storms. I hope we can continue to serve his memory, and his mission, well.
James was a wonderful person. My sincere condolence to James family.
It seems impossible to accept that larger than life James Duncan could possibly be gone. I treasure the many memories of working with James at NCC and extend my deepest, deepest sympathies to his family. He spoke about you so often and with such love.
His legacy will stand the test of time and even the memory of his laughter and his ‘let’s get ‘er done’ will make the hard times better and give us the energy and strength to ‘carry on’ with the work that meant so much to him.
My sincere condolences to the family. He will be hugely missed. He was our fearless leader, totally devoted to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (second only to his family). A great story teller, with that classic twinkle in his eye. Working with James at NCC felt less like being an employee and more like being an accomplice in a grand scheme for good, a fellow culprit in conservation. I am proud to have worked with him.
On behalf of the Ontario Invasive Plant Council, I am writing to express our condolences to the Duncan family and to the Nature Conservancy of Canada and its Ontario Region on the loss of Jamie Duncan. He will be missed by all of us in the conservation world.
Was shocked and saddened by James’ loss. I didn’t know him well, but he was a pillar within the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Big personality, sharp sense of humour, tremendous storyteller. When you lose a pillar it shakes the foundation, and is felt widely. Sending best wishes to his family during this difficult time.
Our wild places have lost a good friend. My condolences to the family.
Dear Dottie and family,
My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your husband and father. This was shocking news and made me sad on so many levels. Having been in meetings and on field trips with James, I always enjoyed spending time with him as he was so fun, smart and engaging. We worked together on the Great Lakes Project and most recently on the protection of Big Trout Bay (I work for TNC in Minnesota). Therefore, it is with a heavy heart that I write this sympathy note and consider a future of interactions with NCC that don’t include your dear James.
As we should all try to do, please savor the memories of all the good times and special moments with James over the years.
With sympathy to all who loved him,
Peggy Ladner
Minnesota/ND/SD Director, TNC
Dear Dottie, Riley, Jayden and Matthew,
Words cannot express the sadness we are feeling. Our hearts are breaking for you. We are very sorry Jamie had to go so suddenly. We will be with you soon. Sending our love,
Cheri, Paul, Luke and Foster
Our hearts go out to the Duncan family. We feel honoured to have known James and will miss his kind and smiling face. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
On behalf of all of us at Oakridge Aeros Hockey, we wish to send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Duncan family. Jamie and his family have been part of our “hockey” family for over a decade and Jamie has touched so many, on and off the ice and he will be deeply missed by us all.
I have had the privilege of working with James, affectionately know as the big kahuna, for over 7 years at NCC in Ontario. He was our fearless leader who personified nature conservation and I am so grateful to have had the chance to work alongside such a champion. Sending my sincerest condolences to his family during this difficult time.
My deepest sympathies goes out to the Duncan family. James have inspired many of us at NCC with its inspiring stories. He will certainly be missed… but have left behind a HUGE legacy and we will forever be grateful for his amazing work over the years at NCC.
I am truly saddened to hear of your loss!
I have worked with James for many years at NCC and know that his passion and dedication to his work in protecting great places is second to none. I have always appreciated the wonderful humor that James would bring into any situation. He was a pure pleasure to always be around and it breaks my heart to loose such a great human being.
He will be greatly missed by his colleagues, his friends and most of all his family.
James was a force to be reckoned with, a big picture thinker and a mover and shaker. He was a supportive colleague no matter if you worked in ON or AB. James, you will be missed.
My deepest sympathies to the Duncan family on his passing. Wishing you strength and comfort at this difficult time and in the days ahead. Thoughts also to my NCC friends and colleagues in Ontario and around the country who will deeply miss James as well. Words are sometimes hard to find and express …but hopefully you feel love and support. I always enjoyed my interactions with James…often had a smile, friendly word and occasional story! James also had an abundance of common sense.
Dottie
I was very saddened to hear of your husbands passing, hugs and prayers to you and your family
I can’t express how saddened I am to hear the news of James’ passing.
I am sending my deepest condolences to his wife and sons, his family, relatives, friends, coworkers, and anyone who had the privilege to spend some precious time with him throughout his life.
It will take time to mourn the loss of such an amazing man. I hope God will give you all the strength needed to heal.
I may have only met him once in person, but he had such an amazing personality, an aura of energy and magnetic charisma that made people want to go to him, talk to him and spend as much time with him as possible to listen to all the stories and adventures he had to tell.
James’ time on Earth may be over, but I am sure he is watching over all of you, sending you strength and courage, and maybe even telling you a story or two.
You will be missed, James. May you rest in peace.
James, you made for some of the best times at NCC with your amazing wit, sarcasm, bear hugs, and uplifting attitude and perseverance. Your family meant the world to you, as did your commitment to conservation. It so sucks that you are gone. You did a boatload of good work while you were here. I’m really glad to have known you.
Sincerest condolences to family, friends and associates from a close friend and a longstanding colleague in conservation. Thank you, James, for your many years of passionate conservation service and for entrusting us with a living legacy that makes Canada a better place. Heartfelt sympathies to your family who I know will find strength in your remarkable achievements and in the wonderful countless memories of your joyful times together. Sincere regrets, away at the time, the news remains shocking.
Heather, Ron and family. Very sad to hear of Jamie’s passing. Hugs
James worked to make the world a better place for his kids, and for mine. Land conservation is about legacy, but it’s also an act of love. Rest In Peace James
We knew James through his Nature Conservancy work. He had a bright warm intelligent personality that filled any room … or outdoor hike. When we needed reliable knowledgeable advice, we could count on James. We send our heart-felt condolences to James’ family, and he will be remembered with great affection by friends and colleagues.
Oh my goodness! We are so sorry to hear of Jamie’s passing. We haven’t known him in recent years, but as part of Ron’s family, we have known him for decades. Ray remembers him as a young boy very clearly. Our sincere sympathy to your family & Ron in particular. Sending love & light your way. <3
Our heartfelt condolences go to the Duncan family. James’ enthusiasm for protecting the natural world will be missed. Deepest sympathies from everyone at OLTA.
Within the DU Ontario family, we often refer to NCC as our “sibling organization” and James was like a mischievous brother. We called him wily, we thought he was fun and we all loved working with him. We wish we had known that his middle name was Elwood and that he was a Celine Dion fan. We could have had some fun with that. To all of the NCC staff and to James’ family: deepest heartfelt condolences from our family to yours. We will miss him so much.
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
I was deeply saddened to hear of James’ passing and am sorry that I was unable to attend his service. I had the honour and pleasure of working closely with James on several bird conservation initiatives a number of years ago. He knew his stuff, he was a dedicated conservationist and he was a delight to work with. I will miss him. My condolences to James’ family.
I’m in shock to find out that James Duncan (I know him as Jamie) passed away. We grew up around the corner from each other. Went to school together from Kindergarten to Grade 13. Played road hockey in his driveway when we were kids (and put many dents in his parents garage). Went to Wolf Cubs together. Got into trouble with him when we were kids. Played tennis together. Pulled practical jokes on each other (1 of the favorites – when a group of us from Wexford signed up Jamie as being interested in becoming a nun – it was posted on the guidance counsellors’ bulletin board).
Unfortunately after high school, we went our separate ways. I did run into Jamie a few times and we talked – think it was from seeing him by his parents place.
We ended up reconnecting through Facebook a year or two ago, and it was just two months ago that we got back together – he was in Toronto for training, and we were able to connect last minute for a breakfast at Fran’s Restaurant. Even though it was close to 20 years since we saw each other, it felt like nothing had changed – except he was gushing about his wife Dottie and his kids Riley, Jayden and Matthew. We left after spending about an hour and a half there (both of us were supposed to be elsewhere, but wanted to talk more). At the end, I invited him the next time he was in town to come over to our place. Unfortunately that won’t happen.
Jamie – rest in peace my friend. I’m sorry I didn’t see this until after your funeral or I would have been there. Your humour and friendship will be missed.
Dottie and family, I was a childhood friend of Jamie. The Warren and Duncan kids grew up together on Vernon Road in Scarborough. Jamie was a fun-loving and kind friend, who always had a twinkle in his eye. We shared many childhood adventures together and he was always sure to get us home “before the streetlights came on”. He is a happy part of my earliest memories. I am saddened that he was taken from you at such an early age. Sincere condolences to you all.
It has been many years since I saw Jamie. He was such a kind man and good father and such a sweet husband to Dottie. I am so saddened to know his family lost him far to young.