It is with great sadness we announce that Jim Duncan died peacefully on November 30, 2022 at Victoria Hospice. His loving wife Leslie and their daughter Nicole were with him when he passed.
Jim was larger than life. Always dressed to the nines with a perfectly detailed sports car, he looked every inch the part of the successful businessman that he was. No one would ever have guessed that Jim made his start in life on a small dairy farm in Sooke. As a child, he worked hard helping his mom and dad on the farm. Jim loved raising cattle as part of the 4H club. He raised some champions and went on to work on the largest dude ranch in the United States in Boulder, Colorado. On returning to Sooke, Jim took up log burling. In 1967 Jim log burled at the opening of Expo 67 in Montreal and as part of Canada week in Central Park in New York City. Jim was working as a ready-mix truck driver in 1972 when he had saved enough money for a brand-new car. His father convinced him to use half of the money to buy a good used car and the other half to buy land. Jim went on to be one of the great land developers of his time building many projects in British Columbia and Arizona. Jim took great pride in developing and owning The Magnolia Hotel which has won several awards, including Trip Advisor #1 Top Hotel in Canada, 2020 and Travel and Leisure’s Best City Hotel in Canada, 2017.
The only thing that Jim loved more than his business was his family. Jim was predeceased by his parents, James and Annie (Nan) Duncan and his daughter, Jodi Duncan. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Leslie; daughter, Nicole Roberts; son-in-law, Ian; grandchildren, Connor, Calla and Alison; son-in-law, Terry Aben; grandson, Jasper Duncan Aben; sister, Jeannie Nichol and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Jim’s incredible life will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 from 1:00 pm-3:30 pm in The Courtney Room Restaurant at the Magnolia Hotel, 619 Courtney Street. The family would like to thank Jim’s family doctor, Dr. Timothy Troughton, and all the nurses at Hospice for their wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victoria Hospice, 3rd Floor, Richmond Pavilion, Royal Jubilee Hospital, 1952 Bay St, Victoria, BC V8R 1J8.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
18 Responses
Jim will remain forever in our hearts. The times shared will go down as some of the best ! Great discussions, good laughs, gathering of friends and a supportive friend.
Straight shooter always, one of the good ones .
Les and Nicole … here for you always
Leslie So Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. I will always remember him.God Bless.
I was so sorry to read of Jim’s passing…one of the good guys
So sorry for your loss Leslie. Our condolences to you and your family. May Jim rest in peace.
Bob and Devi Jawl
My condolences to Leslie and her entire family
On their loss of Jim, a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Jim was always the impeccably dressed gentleman.
My condolences to the Duncan Family,
Leslie, Nicole and Ian, Conner, Calla and Alison.
I’ve worked for Jim and his family for many enjoyable years.
Although I was an employed worker Jim and his whole family treated me as an extended family member.
I always felt that Jim was the brother I would wish for.
Jim was a very dear friend; best friends! We have so many wonderful memories of our time together that will sustain us forever. Jim truly was an incredible man and we will miss him so very much.
Our deepest sympathy to Leslie, Nicole, Calla, Connor, Alison and Jasper.
I’m sorry for your loss. Jim was a fun loving man who will be truly missed!
Take care Leslie and call when you are feeling better!
My condolences to you and your family.
Dorothy Lainey Clark
My family was blessed to have Jim in our lives. It was always a treat to hear stories and see what socks he was sporting!
Our love goes out to Nicole, Leslie and the family.
Love
Alexa, Kris, Jane and Michael
We will cherish our memories of the happy times spent with Jim forever. He was a dear friend and we will miss him deeply.
We offer unending love and support to Leslie and the family.
Virginia and Alan Bowen