Duane Lee James

Duane Lee “Buck” James, age 84, passed away Friday, April 7, 2017 at his home in Louisville with his family by his side. Duane was a project manager for Kiewit Corporation and worked on projects around the world. He was a member of the IBEW since 1952, local 1579. He retired at an early age and moved to Louisville, TN where he and Lelia bought a farm and began to build their own home. Over the years, “Uncle Buck” and Lelia shared their farm with the children of family and friends who spent many summer vacations enjoying the menagerie of animals His second career was CEO/President of Duane James Properties. He was a longtime member of Beech Grove Baptist Church and the Highway to Heaven Sunday School Class. Duane was the son of the late Lee and Edna (Milsaps) James, and was preceded in death by his brother, William “Bill” James. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lelia and four children; Debra James, companion Frank Aldridge; Richard James, wife Susan; Nancy James; Ronald James, wife Alisa; granddaughter, Katie James and fiancé, Jeremy Branan; grandson, Tucker James; sister, Dorla Peterson; sister, Helene Paul and husband, Robert; sister-in-law, Mildred James; nieces, nephews, cousins, and special family friend, Terry Whelchel. In keeping with the wishes of the family, the services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Duane’s name to: Beech Grove Baptist Church, 1519 Topside Rd., Louisville, TN. 37777, wwwbeechgrove.org or Amedisys Hospice Care, 1420 Dutch Valley Rd. Suite C, Knoxville, TN. 37918. Arrangements by Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Duane Lee James please visit our Sympathy Store.