James Patrick Duffany

James Patrick Duffany, 57, loving husband and devoted father, entered into eternal rest on Friday, February 12th, 2021, at his home in Shalimar, Florida, surrounded by his wife Kathy and sons Patrick, 20 and Evan, 17.    

James was born on May 9, 1963 in Springfield, MA to Frederick C. and Patricia A. (Breslin) Duffany.  His two siblings are Steven (Elizabeth) Duffany and Frances (John) Skypeck.   

James graduated in 1985 from Boston University with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. In 1996 he graduated from the University of Florida with a Master of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. 

James entered the Air Force in 1985 and served 12 years on active duty at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, Eglin AFB, Florida, and Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. He left active service during the Desert Storm drawdown years and became a civilian.  

From 1998-2000 James served as a defense contractor at Wheeler AAF, Hawaii. In 2001 James returned with his family to Eglin AFB, Florida, where he held several positions as a defense contractor. In 2003 he joined the USAF Reserve and served at the AF Research Lab ultimately achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  He became an AF civil servant in 2012 working as an Operations Research Analyst at Eglin AFB. 

James loved all things sports – from playing football and rugby as a young man, to golfing, skiing and playing soccer into his 50's. He had an affinity for volunteering, a spirit of appreciation, a gentle smile and a kind heart. James loved his country, his family, his friends and his Maker. He will be missed in this world and welcomed into the next.    

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at Saint Mary Catholic Church, 110 Saint Mary Ave SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32548. 

Interment will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Barrancas National Cemetery, 1 Cemetery Road, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL 32509.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to Saint Mary's Catholic Church in memory of James.