Charles “Jim” Duke, 80, of Clymer, died Sunday, May 31, 2020 at Indiana Regional Medical Center. Born August 3, 1939 in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Nicholas Duke, and Mabel (Higley) Duke. He was the husband of Dorothy (Irvin) Duke, whom he married December 23, 1967, they shared 52 years together.
Jim attended Sto-Rox High School, after graduation he attended West Liberty University in West Liberty, WV, where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, and then went on to West Virginia University where he received his Master’s Degree.
He worked as a Math and Science Teacher at Penns Manor Elementary School for 30 years, retiring in 1998.
Jim was a jack of all trades, he loved pigeon racing, hunting, fishing, talking and engaging in a good conversation, riding in his two corvettes, and most of all he enjoyed being at home on his farm. He was a gentleman farmer, who raised white face cattle, goats, pigs, rabbits, chickens, and turkeys.
He was a member of Latrobe Racing Pigeon Club. He also attended Calvary Baptist and Hilltop Baptist Churches.
He is remembered by his wife, Dorothy Duke, of Clymer; and his daughter, Erin Morrison, and her husband Bill, of Indiana. He will also be missed by his grandchildren: Ashley Wadsworth Theiss (Fred), of Hermitage; and Tanner Morrison, of Indiana; and his daughter-in-law, Rachel Antico, of Pittsburgh.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Eric Duke, who died February 12, 2019, and his sister Ruth Ann Medvitz.
Friends will be received June 5, 2020 from 6 until 8 PM at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home in Clymer. Face masks will be required. His funeral service will be private with Rev. Dr. Daryl Jeffers officiating. Burial will be in Ruffner Cemetery, Rayne Township.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Missionary Fund: 2024 Camp Faith Road, Penn Run, PA 15765.
Online condolences may be offered at www.rbfh.net.
