Jim Duffy

James Patrick Duffy, affectionately known to those close to him as Jim(Jimmy) passed away peacefully  at home in St. Peters, MO on July 24, 2025 at the age of 71 from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or Lou Gehrig's disease from which he fought for several years. Although affected by the disease, Jim was still living independently alone in his home and was able to speak with difficulty, walk a bit (mostly used his motor wheelchair) and was able to do daily tasks (with great effort) with very little help until the day he passed. He was blessed to have not succumbed to the worst symptoms of ALS and was able to take care of himself.

Jim was born on August 31, 1953. Sadly, he was preceded in death by both of his sons: Jeremy (2020) and Patrick (2021). He never got over the deaths of his boys whom he loved very deeply. His parents: father, (Elbert) Patrick Duffy and his mother, Dolores Marie Duffy also preceded him in death many years ago. He has surviving siblings: beloved sister, Kathleen Sutton and beloved brother Kenneth Duffy Sr. Jim also is survived by three grandsons: Tyler, Charles Jesse and Noah. 

Jim had a great sense of humor and an easy going personality and was very intelligent and made those around him laugh and feel at ease. All who knew him friends, nieces and nephews alike all loved Jim. 

He was extremely hard working and retired after 31 years from General Motors as a Millwright in Skilled Trades.  During those years, Jim had many friends at General Motors.  He was always there for his friends whether it be to help them move something, help them set up their new computers (he was very good with technology), new cell phones or just to have fun with him.

Jim thoroughly enjoyed his life.  He retired early at 55 and was so thankful that he did as he had so many years to enjoy his retirement before being affected by ALS. He touched so many lives.  Many of his days were spent with his friends attending football (Bears) games at home and away games and baseball games (Chicago Cubs), fishing trips, casinos and all kinds of entertainment. He was an avid sports fan and loved all sports. Jim enjoyed traveling to other states for sports and fun. He went all over to Las Vegas, Hawaii, New Orleans, Florida, New York and many places. Jim did not waste any time while enjoying his retirement. Like his dad, he enjoyed his martinis. Friends would sit out on his patio and have a martini and smoke a cigar with him while laughing and talking. 

Jim will be greatly missed by those who loved him. He did not want a funeral. A Celebration of Life may be held in his honor at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Washington University in St. Louis ALS Center and Research:  gifts.wustl.edu/med