James Duke

Mr. James Earl (Jimmy) Duke, age 72, of Albany, Georgia, passed away peacefully Sunday, December 3, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. A believer in God, he fostered a desire for and encouraged his loved ones to discover the peace he found in the Lord. Services for Mr. Duke will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 8, in the Cadwell Chapel of Cox Funeral Home, Bainbridge, Georgia. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends an hour before the service, beginning at 10:00. Jimmy was most known as a master mechanic. His knack for restoring and reviving cars (and really anything that needed fixing) was admired by many. His early years were characterized by a love for speed and performance, whether from cars, boats, or motorcycles. Later, his passion expanded to singing karaoke, a pastime he wholeheartedly enjoyed in the company of friends and family. Aside from his mechanical skills and love for singing, his talents ranged from drawing to decorating spaces, designing landscapes to delivering motivational speeches (if he thought you needed it). Being the oldest of six siblings, Jimmy harnessed a variety of talents and continually used them to help those around him. He was a comforter to anyone in distress and was an avid encourager. His ability to fix anything was only rivaled by his knack for telling captivating stories that kept listeners enthralled until the very end. Jimmy loved a good prank and didn’t miss an opportunity to pull one on anyone if he got a chance to do so. Throughout his life, Jimmy held a deep affection for his family and friends. He loved his daughter, his grandkids, his siblings, his nieces and nephews and his extended family. He would often share the fond moments of times spent together that meant the most to him as we sat around the table. Jimmy found much joy in the laughter it brought to us all. Jimmy will be missed as a beloved family member and friend. His spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the pleasure to know him. James Earl Duke is survived by his daughter, Michelle Duke Jones; siblings, Beverly Knight (Bill) of Cordele, Georgia, Angela Carlisle (Mickey) of Attapulgus, Georgia, Eric Duke of Plano, Texas, and Keith Duke (Ashley) of Tallahassee, Florida; grandchildren, Britt Jones (fiancé, Alexis Wimberly), Jake Jones and Emily Jones; and great grandchild, Briar Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis Jenkins and Elaine Tipton Duke, brother, Clay Duke, nephews, Clay Duke, Jr. and Caleb Carlisle, and sister-in-law, Kimberly Duke. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." – Psalm 46:1 In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to help with their cousin's cancer treatment. Please send your memorial donation to Alex Welch, in care of John Welch, 1571 Lake McCollum Court, Tallahassee, Florida 32310 (Cash App jwelch61655, Venmo jwelch616, PayPal jwelch616). On-line condolences may be sent at www.Coxfuneral.net . Cox Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.