James Ray Duncan, affectionately known as Jimmy to his friends and family, passed away on August 30, 2024, in Rattan, Oklahoma. Born to Winifred Walter Duncan and Mary Ellen (Fleming) Duncan on September 3, 1943, in Tulare, California, Jimmy's vibrant spirit and dedication to his community marked his 80 years of life.

Jimmy's distinguished career in law enforcement began shortly after his honorable service in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, a period of his life that shaped his perspective and fortified his sense of duty. Upon returning home, he wed the love of his life, Rita Kay Henson, in Oklahoma City, OK, on May 20, 1966. His dedication to public service led him to join the Hugo Police Department in April 1967 and then the Choctaw County Sheriff's Office in July of the same year. July 1968 marked his entry into the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, where he devoted 32 years before retiring in December 1999. His passion for law and order continued as he was elected Pushmataha County Sheriff, serving from 2005 to 2013.

Jimmy was a member of the Retired Troopers Association and the Oklahoma Sheriffs' Association. He had a lifelong love for hunting, fishing, and guns. He particularly enjoyed his conversations with friends at the coffee shop. Family was the cornerstone of Jimmy's world, and he cherished every moment spent with them, whether it was cheering on Rattan sports teams or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home.
His commitment to sharing his Christian faith with his family, and instilling in them the values of kindness, compassion, and integrity was extremely important to him. Throughout his life, Jimmy was a beacon of hope and strength for his family and community, always ensuring his actions reflected his deep love and trust in his Lord.


Jimmy will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, a steadfast friend, a respected public servant, and a beloved pillar in his community. His legacy endures in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Winifred and Mary Ellen Duncan; sister: Glenna Faye Williams; brother-in-law: Carl Williams; and niece: Carla Noffsinger.
Jimmy is survived by his spouse: Rita Kay Duncan of the home; children: Donna Kay Baze and spouse Russell of Rattan, OK, Becky Lynn Rosa and spouse Mark of Hugo, OK; brothers: Joe Duncan and wife Sharon of Moore, OK, and C.L. Duncan and wife Sherry of Rattan, OK; grandchildren: Brandon Rosa and wife Jessica, Mark Baze and wife Mary, Breanna Rosa, Stepheney Haddox, Kayce Dennisson and husband Braden, Gage Haddox, and Krista Baze and fiancé Dustin Wolfe; great-grandchildren: Bentlee Page, Cordell Rosa, Banning Rosa, Jacob Baze, Traylor Dennisson, Everley Rosa, Kallan Hines, John Baze, Brenda Baze, and Isabelle Baze; nieces and nephews: Dianna Prieto, Karen Duncan, Shelly Todd, Robby Corbin, Tony Duncan, Stacy Coggins, Lyndsi Carper, Kayli Deaton, Easton Winship, Keith Riley, LaCinda Riley, Denise Lacquement, David Hobson, Jimmy Veneble, Lanette Hawpe, Kye Beck, Paul Wade and Lonny Hillbolt.
A family night visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 from 6-7PM at Serenity Funeral Service in Antlers, OK. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 1PM at the Rattan Gymnasium with Mark Baze and Sam Garner officiating. Pallbearers will be the OHP Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers include: Terry Park, Lewis Collins, Harry Tunnel, George McFarland, Dale Birchfield, Steve Carter, Bill Poe, Pat Funderburk, Doc Darst, Ronnie Hampton, Jim Coffman, Johnny Gilbreath, B.J. Hedgecock, Scott McLemore, Curtis Ingram, Murray Thompson, Kevin Antwine, Dobber Harmon, Phyllis Davis, Darrel Wofford, Scott Baze, Terry Burch, Delbert Gay, Jeff Lucas, Bruce Dees, John Mitchell, Steve Nabors, Deron Brown, Shawn Pierce, Reanae Childers, Chris Dennis, Eric Stacy, Shane Allen, and Charlie Hanger, as well as his numerous law enforcement brothers and sisters.
Services are under the direction of Serenity Funeral Service of Antlers.