James Kenneth Roche Duncklee, 60, of Hallowell died April 14, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Jim was born in Augusta, Maine on Nov. 22,1957. He was the son of Barbara Duncklee Martin, James Barry Roche and Donald Duncklee.

Jim graduated from Hall-Dale High School in 1976. He received his undergraduate degree in education from the University of Maine at Farmington and his master’s degree from the University of Maine at Orono.

On Jan. 2, 1982, Jim married the love of his life, Katherine, and together shared two wonderful sons, Nathaniel and Dylan, who both made Jim the proudest man in town.

Jim worked for several years in education and left a lasting impression on students, faculty and the community.  After 15 years in education, Jim started an investment and retirement planning firm, which he enjoyed right up until his retirement in March of 2018. Jim was committed to serving others and felt that giving back to his family, friends, clients and community was his purpose in life.

Jim and Kathy raised Nate and Dylan on Park Street in Farmingdale before splitting their residence between Hallowell and Ocean Point, Maine.  Jim loved the ocean and enjoyed the time he spent using his boat and walking along Shore Drive.

Each of Jim’s boys gave him the biggest thrill of his life in the form of two special daughters-in-law, Erin and Stacia, and four precious grandchildren, Bowen, Emmett, Kyla and Liam.  For all of us who knew Jim, it did not take long for “Papa’s” beaming smile to illuminate as he was raving about his three grandsons and one granddaughter.

Jim loved to travel, but once his grandkids were born, leaving Maine for any extended period of time, did not quite have the luster it used to have. Athletics were also a huge part of Jim’s life, from his days playing basketball and baseball for Hall-Dale to following Nathaniel and Dylan while they did the same.

Jim is survived by his wife of 36 years, Katherine McLain Duncklee of Hallowell; two sons, Nathaniel, Erin and their family from South Portland and Dylan and Stacia and their family from Augusta; his mother Barbara of Florida and father Barry of Farmingdale; two brothers Gary and wife Connie of Farmingdale and Glenn and wife Andrea of Florida; several other step siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services were held at 11 a.m. on April 21 at Old South Congregational Church, 135 Second Street in Hallowell, Maine with the Reverend Susan Reisart officiating. A celebration of Jim’s life followed from noon to 3 p.m. at The Governor Hill Mansion, 136 State Street, Augusta, Maine. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Jim Duncklee Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Duncklee & Nott Investment & Retirement Planning, 19 Central Street, Hallowell ME 04347. Checks can be made out to the Jim Duncklee Memorial Scholarship Fund.

For an online memory book and to leave condolences, please visit www.bowersfuneral.com