James L. Duncan
June 14, 1926 ~ September 29, 2011
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
James L. Duncan, 85, passed away Sept. 29, 2011. Born to C. Boone and Elizabeth Duncan on June 14, 1926, in Clarksville, Mo. He graduated from the Louisiana, Missouri High School with highest honors. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Central College in Fayette, Mo. and his Masters degree in music from Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. Veteran of the US Army where he served in the 199th Army Band. He started his teaching career at Hurley High School in Texas and also served as director of Grant County Community Chorus. He joined the Pueblo Junior College (now CSU-P) faculty in the fall of 1958, teaching courses in piano, piano ensemble, and music theory. He was involved in early discussions on the development of the department of music and its subsequent accreditation as a four-year institution in 1966. He judged music competitions all around the country including Carnegie Hall in New York City. He served as the music critic for The Pueblo Chieftain and Pueblo Star-Journal for 12 years and also wrote program notes for the Pueblo Symphony. Viewing from 4 to 6 Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011, and from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 5, 2011, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel. Concluding services and interment will be in Clarksville, Mo. Online condolences, MontgomerySteward.com
Jim’s mom and dad were friends w/ our family. Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Boone were what we called them. I guess we were all about 10 or younger. Several couples played bridge on a revolving basis and we always stayed up to go from table to table and see what was going on [ plus eat what snacks were handy]. When Jim came home he always played the piano for everyone. At 10 there wasn’t a lot of music appreciation BUT you could see the pride in the Duncan’s eyes and everyone loved hearing Jim play. We thought it was great fun clapping after each song and were very attentive with whatever he played. I honestly knew his folks better than Jim; they were so sweet. I have pictures of them, bridge club, etc. None better. I know Jim was very talented plus VERY bright. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Goodbye my dear friend. I’m glad that we spent time together this summer. I miss you.
Goodbye, Jim. It was a privilege to have known you and to have worked with you. My condolences to your family and dear friends.
Mr. Duncan taught me to ‘feel’ the music as I played, to be inside the music. He was a wonderful inspiration to my music career. May God rest his soul. He will be missed.
I was one of Jame’s first piano students at Pueblo Jr. College in 1958. He was bright, funny, and a very fine musican. He was a good friend to all his students and a credit to CSU-Pueblo. I will miss his.
I have fond memories of my time at USC and Mr. Duncan’s classes. I learned so much from him about music theory. He will be greatly missed by the music community. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends in this time of loss. God bless.