James Elton (Jimmy) Duce
James Elton (Jimmy) Duce, 69, of Winter Haven, FL (formerly of Chattahoochee, FL), passed peacefully, July 14, 2026, from congestive heart failure and pneumonia.
Born January 14, 1957, to J.B. Duce, Sr. and Grace Duce, Jimmy grew up in Chattahoochee, in an era filled with youth programs, community sports, summers on the lake, on the river and Vacation Bible School at every church in town. It was during those formative years, Jim received Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, was baptized at Chattahoochee First Baptist Church.
He attended Chattahoochee Elem and High School enjoying Band and everything Sports, especially Basketball. Upon graduation he was recognized: “with noted National personal statistics in High School Basketball “.
Recruited to East Central Junior College, Decatur, MS., upon graduation at ECJC:
“As a Junior College historically recognized basketball standout, he was nationally recognized. His legacy as a top tier collegiate talent featured highlights as:
NJCAA All-American, named to Men’s Basketball NJCAA All-American Team, cementing his status as one of the premier junior college players in the country during his tenure”.
He continued on basketball scholarship, recruited to Auburn University, AL, where he finished his college career.
Relocating to Winter Haven, FL, he was active with City and County Sports Programs. He enjoyed retirement, there, after many years of service in transportation operations, training and leading company operations into the automated CDL era.
In Winter Haven, he leaves his best friend and brother, John (wife Ann, nephew, Kyle) and his amazing neighborhood of devoted and endearing friends.
Jim was preceded in death by parents, J.B. and Grace Duce; sister, Kathy Duce; brothers, Byron Duce and Lowell Duce.
Survivors include a daughter, Sydney Selman; sisters, Faye Creely, Johnie Hernandez and Elaine Chandler; one brother, John Duce, Jr. (wife Ann); and a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
A Memorial Service celebrating the life of James Elton Duce, will be at McAlpin Funeral Home in Sneads, FL on Friday, July 31, 2026 beginning at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.
A time of Visitation with family and friends will be held immediately before the memorial service beginning at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.
