James Phillip Duffy, 90, of Quincy, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the Good
Samaritan Home in Quincy.
James was born on March 27, 1933 in Denver, Illinois, the son of Theodore “Ted” and Leora Susan
(Akers) Duffy. On June 12, 1955, he was united in marriage to Thelma Jean Jackson at Denver Christian
Church in Denver, Illinois. She survives.
James graduated from Bowen High School in 1951, and went on to graduate from Western Illinois
University in Macomb, Illinois, with his dual Bachelor’s Degree, later graduating from Washington
University in St. Louis, Missouri, with his dual Master’s Degree. He was employed as a math professor at
many Illinois schools before moving to Wisconsin for employment as a math professor at Carthage
College from 1968 to 1989. After retirement, James worked in maintenance at the Good Samaritan
Home in Quincy. He was an avid sports enthusiast, following his favorite teams and his grandchildren
throughout their sports careers. He was also a talented woodworker and puzzler, and collected Smurfs,
Pez, coins and western books. James enjoyed spending his free time antiquing, fishing and playing penny
slots with his brother Herb. In his younger years, he was an Eagle Scout. James will always be
remembered for his hard-working attitude and dedication to his family.
James is survived by his wife Thelma of Quincy; two sons: Michael (Kathleen) Duffy of Pardeeville,
Wisconsin, and Alan (Im Suk) Duffy of Gig Harbor, Washington; his daughter Deborah (Roger) King of
Mendon, Illinois; ten grandchildren: Joshua, Julie, Jeffrey, Bethanne, Kevin, T.J., Matthew, Alyssa,
Jackson and Tyler; six great-grandchildren: Jameson, Grace, Louise, Elliott, Elijah and Zander; and his
daughter-in-law Denise Duffy of Kenosha, Wisconsin.
James is preceded in death by his parents, his son David and his brother Herbert.
Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Home
Chapel in Quincy, with burial to follow at Harmony Cemetery in Bentley, Illinois. Visitation will be held
on Thursday from 12:30 pm to 2 pm at the chapel directly before the service.
Memorials may be directed to the Good Samaritan Home in Quincy or the Parkview Christian Academy
Athletic Department in Yorkville, Illinois.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.