John P. Duncan

January 07, 1960 — December 11, 2024

John Duncan

Service Details

John (“Jay”, “JP”) Preston Duncan, age 64, passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.

Jay was born January 7, 1960, in Des Moines, Iowa to John Wendall Duncan and MaryLynn Joyce (Martin) Speck. He graduated from high school in 1978, and completed his education through DMACC, to become an electrician. He worked for many years, most recently for Baker Electric. He proudly served in the U. S. Navy as a United States Naval Construction Battalion or “Seabee”.

He loved motorcycles and all sports. He could talk to anybody and loved to tell stories, not to mention flirting and the company of women! He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and being outdoors. Jay loved Blues music and especially Stevie Ray Vaughn. He will be remembered for all the talks about classic rock music. He loved his family above all else and would tell anyone who he met. He was thoughtful and always checked in on others, making sure to ask how their families were doing. He remembered small details and genuinely cared about everyone around him. He always expressed appreciation for those who helped him.

He is survived by his siblings, Timothy “Tim” Paul Duncan (and Norma) of Ocala, Florida, Cindy (Reeves) Heard (and Jon) of Winter Haven, Florida, Susan “Sue” Duncan-Torres of Des Moines, Iowa, John Duncan Jr. (and Vanessa) of Des Moines, Iowa, and Wendy Jo (Duncan) Dodson (and Nick) of Adel, Iowa; nephews, Jayson M. Duncan, Matthew “Matt” H. Duncan, and Joseph “Joey” P. Duncan; and several more nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and other extended family and friends.

Jay was preceded in death by his loving daughters, Kandace Diane Duncan and Amber Lynn Duncan.

Words from Jay in memory of his daughters:

“I have spent so many years separated from my love,
but I understand that they are both in Heaven up above.
My sweet girls, I have you now, holding you so tight.
You will never be afraid of the long dark dreary night.
Do not be sorry for me. I have just moved home
with my girls forever more, never more to roam.”

He is also preceded in death by his mother, MaryLynn Joyce Martin Speck; father, John Wendell Duncan; stepmother, Phyllis Ann Duncan; brother, Donald Wayne Reeves; several grandparents from both sides of the family, June Preston, Harland Preston, Jerald Duncan, Elvina Duncan; uncles, Preston “Press” Joseph Duncan, William “Bill” Duncan (and Shirley), Claude Martin; aunt, Katherine “Katie” Blair (and Paul); as well as several cousins.

According to Jay’s wishes, cremation will occur and there will be no formal services held at this time.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Immanuel Pathways of Central Iowa in loving memory of Jay.

Free

Youth has faded,
Health is gone,
I see the end is near.
The struggle here has been so hard,
But I have no fear.

There’s a place prepared for me
On the other side
Where my girls wait for me
So many times I’ve cried.

I see my girls now beckoning
Their voices bid me home
Kandace and Amber smile so sweet
For them my heart longs

Now I hold them in my arms
My journey is complete
The pain has faded all away
Endless joy we greet.

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