John (Jack) Vail Duncan was born in Akron Colorado on August 21, 1924 to Harry Simms Duncan & Edna Leona (Horn) Duncan. He graduated from Akron High School in 1942. Jack attended the University of Colorado as an army reserve & was quickly called to active duty in 1943 during World War II. Jack served in the armed services for 34 months ending with the Army Corps of Engineers, & honorably discharged in 1946. He returned to CU graduating with a degree in Engineering in 1949. He also then spent another year at CU studying architecture & interior design.

Jack returned to Akron, built a workshop, & started his custom designed cabinet business, which ran for over 30 years. During this time Jack married Doris (Grooms) Duncan on June 18, 1960. They were married for over 65 years. Jack was an amazing wood carver bringing realism to wooden objects, often doing projects few could envision. He was awarded a US Patent for his cabinet system in the early 60's. Jack's cabinetry & woodworking can be found throughout Northeast Colorado, noticeably in churches including the Akron Catholic & Methodist churches, & Washington county courtroom. He was also known for his wood carvings including the intricate Future Farmers of America emblem.

Jack & his brother Bill Duncan owned the Convenience Corner (now JD's) which he managed until his retirement. Jack also self-built his home in Akron. He was an avid historian of Northeast Colorado, tracking the events of the Southern Cheyenne Indians & early pioneer days. He was a longtime member of the Colorado Historical Society and a lifetime member of the Akron United Methodist Church. Jack was a 75 year member of the local American Legion Post & a charter member of the Wray Elks Lodge. His favorite Friday night outing was at the Akron Elks. He also served many years on the Akron Housing Board.

Jack's simple pleasures were eating home cooked meals, swing dancing with Doris & continued dancing until he was 98. He loved baseball & was an avid Colorado Rockies fan, rarely missing a game. Jack Duncan was a kind & gentle man, who never raised his voice or said an unkind word about anyone. He lead with integrity & when he did speak, always had something meaningful to say. He was a wonderful husband & father with strong extended family ties. His longevity is a testament to his personality & lifestyle, as Jack was the oldest man in Washington County prior to passing.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert (Sandra) Duncan, brother Bill Duncan, & granddaughter Tasmin Duncan. Jack is survived by his wife Doris, daughter Christie de Ganahl, son David (Cheryl) Duncan, his sister Peggy (John) Pappas, grandchildren Brian (Carmita) de Ganahl, Carrie (Craig) Loewenstein, great-grandchildren Athena (Ben) Shiew, Chas (Annie) de Ganahl, Reagan de Ganahl, Caden, Cavan, Charles, & Chloe Loewenstein, as well as 6 great-great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Akron.  Interment will follow at the Akron Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to the United Methodist Church of Akron or to the Disabled American Veterans.