James A. Duggins, 72, of Terre Haute, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 5, 2012 while at home.
Jim was born in Louisville, KY on March 24th, 1939 to Opal Mathers Duggins and Claude Duggins.
His father was a butcher and owned a grocery store; his mother, a homemaker who cared for their 7 children.
Jim was the youngest child and the apple of his mother’s eye. The family moved to Terre Haute when Jim was a child.
Jim was faithfully married to his best friend, Paula R. Duggins, whom he met at 8th Ave. Baptist Church where they are both members. They celebrated 45 years of wedded bliss this past September, 2011. Jim always looked forward to their annual August vacation to Michigan. He was an adoring and patient husband. Jim was the father to one daughter, Kelley A. Duggins and will always be remembered as her hero. Among numerous things, he taught her how to ride a bike, how to drive a car and to never take anything for granted. Jim was an amazing and attentive Pap to one grandson, Zachary J. Duggins and was heavily and wholeheartedly involved in any activity his grandson was a part of. He particularly enjoyed filming his grandson’s sporting events and special activities and has given us countless hours of memories by doing so.
Jim enjoyed running mini marathons in his younger years and was an avid golfer throughout his life. He loved planting flowers and caring for the grounds around his home in the spring and summer. Jim loved the sunshine and relished any opportunity to be outdoors. He was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox and inspired his family to be fans as well. He served as a member of the Air Force and Air Force Reserves for 24 years and as a state tax auditor for the state of Indiana for 39 years. His employment with the state ended in retirement in December 2010. He also worked part time at Larrison’s Tax Service during every tax season and personally prepared taxes for family and friends for many years. Just before being diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Jim began working part time at Idle Creek Golf Course. Jim was a hardworking, witty and compassionate man who always put his family first. Words cannot express how missed he will be.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Paula R. Duggins; his daughter, Kelley A. Duggins, his grandson, Zachary J. Duggins, his nephew, Jerry M. Doolittle; as well as countless other nephews, nieces, cousins and in-law relations. He was preceeded in death by his parents, Claude and Opal Duggins; his brothers, Robert Duggins and Max Duggins; his sisters, Zelma Shepard, Dorothy Williams, Pat Green and Jo Ann Lewis. Jim was the last surviving sibling of his family.
Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 8th, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at DeBaun Springhill Chapel, 85 E. Springhill Dr. Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, Jan. 9th, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. at DeBaun Springhill Chapel with Pastor John Nicholas (Jim’s nephew) officiating. Burial services will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Jim’s honor be made to 8th Ave. Baptist Church in Terre Haute, IN. Online condolences may be offered at: www.debaunfuneralhomes.com.
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Jack,
Fri, Jan 13, 2012
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