James Duke

James R. "Jim" Duke, 82, of Melvin passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on Friday January 31, 2020. His funeral service will be held 6:00 pm Saturday February 8, 2020 at the Melvin United Methodist Church with Pastor Liz Reis officiating. Visitation will be held 4:00-6:00 pm prior to the service at the church. Dress is casual, as Jim didn't like pomp and circumstance. Memorial contributions may be made to the Melvin United Methodist Church, The Cornbelt Shrine Club or to the Family.

Jim was born November 12, 1937 in Ludlow, a son of O. Wayne Duke and Elouise Ann Chaney Duke. He married Lynn E. Hoyt in Champaign. He is survived by his devoted wife Lynn of Melvin. Proud father to his children - E. Gay (Mike) Lane of Henning; Randall (Tom) Duke of Champaign; Vicki Duke of Melvin and Wayne (Brad) Duke of Urbana. His precious grandchildren - Jeremy (Jen) Duke, Casey Duke, Brandon (Angie) Roderick, Angela Daley, Faith Duke and Matthew Duke and eight great grandchildren Owen, Ethan, Declan, Amia, Jasmine, Carter, Londyn Grace and Ryne. Three brothers- Bill (Doris) Duke of Austin, Texas; Jerry (Sue) Duke of Urbana and Lyle (Alice) Duke of Knoxville, Tennessee. Two sisters- Beverly Neely of Magnolia, Texas and Lucy (Roger) Woodcock of Fisher. He had many nieces and nephews whom he adored.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Michael Duke (1986), great grandson Reed Robert Roderick, a sister Joyce Hardig brother Wayne Allen (Pete) Duke and brother-in-law Bill Neely.

Jim was a roofer for Hitchens Roofing for twenty years. He then was an estimator engineer for the University of Illinois for twenty- three years, retiring in 2001. He was a member of the Melvin United Methodist Church and the Melvin Area Christian Men's Group. He enjoyed reading western novels and was passionate and proud of his gardening skills. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his friends and making new ones. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

Funeral Service

FEB 8. 6:00 PM (CST)

Melvin United Methodist Church
129 N. Center St.
Melvin, IL 60952

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