Mr. James “Jim” E. Duffy

May 10, 1952 - January 21, 2024

James, loving husband, brother, and uncle died after a long illness on January 21 at the age of 71. He was born in New York, but spent much of his early years in Florida. He graduated from the University of Florida with a journalism degree, and later obtained a second degree in geology. He was a great writer and storyteller, but he found his passion on the ocean. He followed his dad by working in the dredging industry doing just about everything. He was proud of diving to protect reefs from dredge anchors on beach jobs in Florida and, on one of his last jobs, his part in building the new Panama Canal. He retired as a dredge captain.

Though California was home, Jim was often working away. He worked on the West Coast from Alaska to Panama and the East Coast from Maine to Aruba. He loved boats so vacations usually took he and his wife on river or ocean cruises. He would always try to see the vessel’s engine room. Jim’s one regret with the move to California was the distance from his family. He loved them very much.

Jim is survived by his wife Eileen, his brothers John (Terry), Mike (Ann), Dan (Nory), and Larry (Mary), and sisters Pat (Jay) and Kathy (Jeff). Brother-in-law Reg (Carol) and sisters-in-law June (George) and Linda also will miss him. Jim loved all of his 19 nieces and nephews and they loved him.

Because of Jim’s love for the ocean, that’s where his ashes will be scattered. A family memorial service will be held when that takes place at some date to be determined.

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Extending my deepest condolences to Captain Jim’s family, so sorry for your loss. I am hopeful that all have those great memories and Captain’s stories for comfort in these days. I worked with Jim at GLDD for many years and I always welcomed and valued his friendship, and his calm and straightforward advice with operations. And he always made time for us newer coworkers to share stories and catch up with the goings on. Deepest condolences again. Chris

Prayers and Condolences for Jim’s Family. Worked many years with Jim great guy and a great man to work for. Always good to his crew. RIP Brother. ??

My prayers go out to the Duffy family. I worked with Jim for many years and to say he was a stand up guy is an understatement. Great man to work with and respected by all his co-workers . REST IN PEACE BROTHER .

Aunt Eileen ; he will be sorely missed ! I loved / love Uncle Jim and I will miss him and his stories !

In Jim's next adventure may he have many happy boating experiences. Our condolences , Paul and Julie Watte

A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Duffy . Plant a Tree

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I am so so sorry for your loss. My most Sincere condolences. I will miss you Jim. “Fair winds and following seas” Raul Vazquez Kingsland Ga

My condolences to the family. "Capt Duffy" was one of my first dredge captains that I got to work with after starting my career with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock. My first project with him was working down in St. Thomas digging material for the cruise ships and creating a whole new seaside profile for a new cruise terminal at the time. The crewboat landing was attached to a marina bar and we all spent many nights eating and drinking and having grand adventures and learning that "island time" ran a lot slower than normal time. I ended up working with Capt a number of times over the years on many projects both on the east coast as well as in the gulf and always enjoyed his stories and picking his brain for his dredging knowledge. He will be missed.

Jim was a wonderful nextdoor neighbor. I remember that whenever one of our cars died, Jim always came over with his trickle charger. He was so compassionate. When my cat died, he wrote a deeply thoughtful condolence card, because he knew how much I would miss my companion. Jim will be greatly missed.

Jim stories were the best. Could listen to him for hours. A great memory was one night in mom's kitchen run away crabs and my daughter-in-law trying to escape one small kitchen. Jim and I think my brother was laughing so hard. Wonderful times when family were together.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.