JAY R DUNCAN
February 9, 1954 - June 1, 2024
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider helping out your local Little League teams in Jay’s name, in honor of his love for family and community.
Jay’s Celebration of Life will be held on July 20, 2024 from 2:00-6:00 at the Veterans Memorial Center, 400 South Sykes Creek Rd. Merritt Island, Fl 32952
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We announce the Graduation to Heaven of Jay Reid Duncan, age 70, who passed away on Saturday June 1, 2024. Jay leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and generosity that will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Jay was born in Akron, OH on February 9, 1954, son of the late Art Pershing Duncan and Evelyn Eberhart Duncan. Jay’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife, Kathy S. Duncan, his three sons David, Steven (Alyssa; Madison, Asher, Rhett), and Thomas (Angela), his siblings Joe (wife Lee; Cyndi, Bryan), Joyce (daughter Genna), and Jill (husband Dale; Trevor, Gavin), and three stepdaughters Heather (Gayle; Scott, Amanda, Ashleigh, Anna (Rosie), Austin), Holly (John; Willow, Liam, Brennan), and Summer (Stewart; Joanna, Jack, Grace). He was “GranJay” to his 14 grandchildren and one great grandchild, all of whom were deeply adored. His warm heart, infectious laughter, and generous spirit made him a beloved figure in the lives of his family and friends.
Jay was a gentle, unique, and inquisitive man. This started early; at age 3 he would escape his mothers presence and go knocking on neighbors doors just to meet them, leaving his little cup on the front steps of families he would visit so that his siblings would know where he went. He seemed to almost peer into your soul in that first conversation that by the end you became fast friends. Jay made others feel special and loved and connected. Jay loved his family beyond measure and often spoke of the men his sons had become, and the beauty, creativity, and talent of his wife. As a father to his young sons he was ever present. He never missed a practice, game, or special event; even when he had just hours of free time a week. Jay taught his boys not only how to ride a bike and hit a baseball, but how to treat each other with kindness and respect. He made his children and family feel like celebrities around others, always the proud father, husband, brother excited to share in their joys and accomplishments. Jay shared as well in the sorrows and trials, knowing that these experiences have as much impact on our lives as the joy. He was always willing to share advice, or just listen and help you through in his quiet sincere manner. Jay followed his interests passionately and enjoyed sharing all that he had learned. Jay was an incredible role model for all of us, someone we will strive to be like for our children, our spouses, our siblings, our community.
Jay was a man who put 100% into every aspect of his life; family, community, work, and play. He was a professional photographer from age 17-70. His love of nature came to life in the beautiful way he captured our local landscapes and wildlife. He was a collector of antiques was excited to share his rare finds and the stories behind them with all who would listen. Jays delight in sports, both watching and playing, led him to the Little League fields and motocross tracks, where he was often found capturing moments of triumph and joy of the players and offering encouraging words to all he met. His gift of photography touched so many hearts as he wonderfully captured the perfect shots for all of his “families”. Jay’s love of music and singing was on full display at many local karaoke venues as he sang and supported others with his quiet gentle smile and words of praise.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider helping out your local Little League teams in Jay’s name, in honor of his love for family and community.
Jay’s Celebration of Life will be held on July 20, 2024 from 2:00-6:00 at the Veterans Memorial Center, 400 South Sykes Creek Rd. Merritt Island, Fl 32952