Obituary of James "David" Duncan

James “David” Duncan, DO, 87, passed away in the early hours of April 15, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy (O'Connor) Duncan, his four children David Duncan Jr., Elizabeth Duncan, Daniel Duncan (Becky Antworth), and Julia Duncan, as well as his three granddaughters, Lindy Duncan, McKenzie Duncan, and Devyn Duncan. Son of James and Mary Sue Duncan, David grew up in Detroit, Michigan with four sisters who preceded him in death. David attended the University of Detroit Jesuit school and went on to study medicine, specializing in otolaryngology (ENT) and head and neck surgery. He was a devout Catholic and loved nothing more than writing or reading about his Creator. He also deeply loved being a physician, and he practiced medicine until he retired from the Veterans Administration Hospital at 82 years old. An avid sailor, David was (jokingly) renowned for running aground wherever he went, leaving many a bent propeller in his wake. He supported a variety of causes, including one close to his heart, a children’s educational program on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. He loved to travel, and enjoyed talking about politics with anyone over a beer or two. He will be remembered sitting on the lanai with a good cigar and a craft beer, sharing his latest Dad (or slightly raunchier) joke with his friends or family. And he will be missed by many. 

There will be a funeral mass held for David at Our Saviour Catholic Church in Cocoa Beach on Friday, June 2, at 10:30 am with burial immediately afterward. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/?form=alz_donate