James C. "Jim" Duvall

James C “Jim” Duvall, 83, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at the Heartford House in Owensboro. As was his way, he passed quietly and peacefully. Born on December 26, 1941 in Greenville, Ky he was the first son of Charles Beverly Duvall, who had already been deployed to help with WWII, and Margaret Vincent. His father gave his life in sacrifice to the country without meeting his son. After graduating from Greenville High School, he went to the University of Kentucky where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering and also earned a varsity letter in swimming.

After College, he embarked on a long engineering career that, as fate should have it, began with Peabody Coal Company. The coal mining life was something he hoped to avoid by going to college. As an engineer, he worked on draglines, including working as an engineer on “Bessie” which, at the time was the largest dragline in the world. He then moved on to design, implement, troubleshoot and repair multi-million dollar power systems all across the United States. He worked for and retired from Westinghouse, Siemens, and Cutler Hammer engineering. Even through the end of his career at the age of 78, his expertise and experience were sought nationwide.

Though he put in more hours than most at his career, Jim always found time for family and the many people whose lives he influenced. He learned to coach soccer from the many books that he read and went on to start and coach, along with a few other great parents, the first ever select soccer team in Owensboro, leading them to the State Championship game in their first season. He also learned to officiate soccer games and became a referee instructor, eventually becoming the referee instructor in charge of the State of Kentucky.

Whether he was on the job, coaching, refereeing, or just hanging out with friends and family, he was never to busy to be kind to everyone, offer a word of encouragement, be a mentor, or lend a helping hand. The impact that he quietly made will ripple for generations.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Charles Beverly Duvall, his stepfather Harold Vincent and his mother Margaret Vincent, a sister Carol Taylor(Jimmy), his wife of 61 years Edna Carrol Duvall, his daughter Robin R Vaughn, and his best buddy, James A Westerfield.

He is survived by a son Jamie Duvall(Lisa) and son Ben Duvall, and grandchildren Scott Sheriff, Landon Sheriff(Hellen), Alex Sheriff, Zackary Duvall(Emily), Treg Duvall, Reece Duvall, Alix Duvall, and Hadley Duvall.

Funeral services will be Noon Thursday, November 6, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Burial will follow in Owensboro Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 3 PM until 7 PM Wednesday and after 11 AM Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Heartford House, c/o Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathens Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301. Messages and condolences to the family can be shared at www.glenncares.com.