James A. Duffy was born in Oconto Falls, along with his identical twin brother, Eugene, on May 13, 1942, to Edward and Iris (Nicholson) Duffy. He graduated from Gillett High School in 1960. On Oct. 2, 1981, he married Karen Dechamps Swaer.
Jim began hauling milk for Krause Dairy out of high school before moving to Green Bay, where he worked at Proctor and Gamble for more than 32 years, retiring in 1997. During his time there, Jim and Karen also purchased Pine Acres Golf Course in 1984 and the Timberlea Drive-In in 1995. They sold both businesses to their daughter and son-in-law, Coreen and Luke Lemorande, in 1998.
In 1999, Jim’s career took him and Karen overseas to Altringham, England, for a new opportunity with Proctor & Gamble. After returning from England, Jim and Karen spent their winters in Brooksville, Florida. In addition, they traveled extensively abroad and throughout our country — often visiting their daughter, Becky, and her family.
Jim loved spending time with his son, Joe. They enjoyed Brewers, Packers and hockey games together. Jim coached Joey in baseball when he was young. Joe preceded him in death on July 30, 2020, at the age of 54.
He is survived by his wife, Karen; daughters, Coreen and Luke Lemorande, Becky Golombek (special friend Kevin Schaden); daughter-in-law, Tammy Duffy; grandchildren, Jacob and Brianna Lemorande, Zachary Golombek, Nicholas Golombek, Grant and Gracin Lemorande, Grace Lemorande and Emerson Golombek; great-grandchildren, Hayzlee Lemorande and two more on the way; brothers Gene and Barb Duffy, Dennis and Marilyn Duffy, Frank and Theresa Duffy, Robert Duffy; brother-in-law, Roger and Kathy Dechamps. Jim is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Joey; in-laws, Clarence and Hortense Dechamps; niece, Justine Topel; brothers-in-law, Lee and Jan Dechamps and Dan Dechamps.
The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, Sobieski, from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 6 p.m. Thursday at the church with the Rev. Francis Nusi officiating. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gallagherfuneralhome.net.
