Former Commissioner Jim Duke has passed away
May 27. James Edward Duke, who served three terms on the Cornelius Town Board, passed away on Friday, May 24 after a brief illness.
He was born in Monterey Park, CA on Sept. 2, 1941.
After graduation from Venice Senior High School, he obtained his undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University and graduate degree from Syracuse University. He was a highly decorated Army officer (helicopter pilot, battalion commander and general’s aide) receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross for Valor and the Air Medal for Valor in Vietnam as well as numerous awards for meritorious service and leadership.
He continued to serve his communities through local political involvement in Stafford County, VA as well as serving three terms as a Cornelius town commissioner. He also served throughout the years on various committees—Big Day at the Lake was a favorite.
He was a true patriot and was incredibly proud of his service to our country.
James E. Duke
Jim met his wife Carolyn of 52 years in Texas and together, they blended a family raising three children while Jim’s active-duty military career had them living abroad and throughout the US before settling in the Northern Virginia area after retiring from the military.
Jim then went on to work as a comptroller for the Executive Office of the President in the Pentagon serving two sitting presidents before his second retirement. Jim also had a passion for all things related to golf, politics and family.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father, brother and one sister.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Duke, his children, Julio Garcia-Laffite (Lisa Diskin) of Spotsylvania, VA, Melissa Duncan (Keith) of Cornelius, and Josh Duke (Ashley) of Greenville, NC and 10 grandchildren: Amber, Heather, Jon, Ashley, Anna, Abbey, Andrew, Sy, Tate and Anne Price as well as eight great grandchildren. The running joke in the family was how he often started every family gathering with, “I’m so proud!” followed by his signature grin and laughter.
The family is hosting a drop in to celebrate his life Sunday, June 2, 2024 at The Peninsula Club in Cornelius between 11 am and 1 pm; local friends are invited to stop by. Jim will be buried with full military honors in a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to He Provides 501c3 Childrens Charity. This was a recent project he was working on with his daughter, Melissa, who serves on the charity’s board.
Donation Link: https://heprovides.org/donation/
Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Click here to read one of his columns in Cornelius Today.
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Always a gentleman, sad to see this news. A life well done, BZ Jim.
Jim was such a lovely man! Servant leader of the highest degree. He will be missed in so many ways.
Jim was a dear friend and advocate for me and Cornelius. I will truly miss our coffee conversations. A real gentleman and driven to improve all things in which he was engaged. A tireless servant for our Town with a highly decorated military record. He will be sadly missed!
Jim was a great friend and confidant. I will truly miss his wit and advice. RIP, my friend .
Mayor Woody Washam
Jim was a neighbor, friend and kind man. We will all miss his dedication to our community.
I knew Jim as a devoted family man who took immense pride in his family.
He cherished his 52-year marriage to Carolyn. His infectious laughter and signature grin were a testament to the genuine, inspiring man I knew – one who brought joy to all those around him.
Jim had a genuine commitment to making a positive impact in our community. He was a wonderful man I enjoyed conversing with, even when we engaged in friendly debates. I found him to be an exceptional believer that “good government starts with good people.”
He was truly a community jewel. Our town was better off with such an exceptional man.
Beyond his warmth and charisma, Jim led a remarkable life ……. I hope your time in heaven is filled with all the joy, honor, and love you gave to others here on earth,
Condolences to Jim’s wife and family. Every community should be so fortunate to have a trusted, passionate and dedicated individual such as Jim. He treated others with respect and dignity and lived his life similarly.
Feeling so very blessed to have known Jim Duke . He had a passion for his community, family and friends. I will miss our one on one coffee chats and his always thoughtful conversation. Rest in peace my friend!
Thank you for your service, Jim! Thank you for your service to our country during your time as an army officer. Thank you for your service to our town as a determined and dedicated commissioner for years. And thank you for all the wonderful debates as my friend and colleague. I will always miss you. Cornelius is way better because you were here with us, working hard to make it better. And you’ve made all of us better in the time we had with you. RIP
Everyone who walks this world would like to think at the end of their days their life meant something bigger than themselves. They left the world a better place and served as a living example for all of us to follow. Jim did that serving his nation and his community. While we mourn his passing, we are grateful for the lives he touched on his journey along the way.
Jim you had a passion for your community and you did not hesitate to take action. You had your values, and you stood by them. I appreciated our friendship!
Rest in peace, my friend,
John Hettwer