James Kenneth Duckworth

James Kenneth Duckworth, the loving husband of Tamea June Hatton/Duckworth, died unexpectedly April 06, 2018 of a heart attack. Through 33 years of marriage they were best friends and soul mates, from the time of their first meeting in Ohio. Daughter Sonya (Davis) Campy and grandson Cole Campy were also a big part of his life in Seattle - Grandpa enjoyed spoiling Cole with computer games. His 3 sisters, Debbie Heatwole, Becky Crider and Rachel Jones, all reside in Ohio. Aunt Liz Mills was a regular in James’ household and was given the honorary role of official dog-sitter to James and Tamea’s other “kids”, their dogs.

James first came to Seattle at 15 to live with his uncle Bob Mills, aunt Liz, and their young children Christi and Charlie. He was a great babysitter to his little cousins, playing card games with Christi while bouncing baby Charlie on his knee. While in Seattle he finished High School, worked at Charlie’s Restaurant and fell in love with the city. After marrying, James took an opportunity to bring his wife and daughter, back to Seattle and they never regretted the move. Sonya and grandson, Cole, are true NW kids.

James was born on Jan 2, 1962 in Ohio to Jim Duckworth and Aggie (Mills Duckworth) Craycraft. He grew up the 2nd of 4 children and a protector for his siblings; sisters Debbie, Becky, and Rachel. When still a kid in Ohio, he got jobs to bring home money just to help the family; a responsibility he took seriously even when far apart. Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to name are all blessed by the love of James. He would arrive at cousin’s weddings, in Seattle and Ohio, just to make sure the event was catered well and needs met. He even followed the brides and grooms around making sure they had water and weren’t dripping in the Ohio heat! Family has always been important and remained so no matter where life took him.

James worked for Artistic Catering Connections, Western Ports and SSA before he co-founded Inter Harbor Trucking. He had become a computer expert, so he scheduled and tracked all the drivers and shipments. The business recently closed and he was beginning to find a new direction for his life.

Tamea and friends called him James. The family called him Ken. At work, the guys called him Duck. To everyone he cared about, he was kind and generous, always there to help in any way possible. He often stopped to give someone in need money for gas or food, and was even known to fill the Mission to the Seafarers’ van with gas. His Chihuahuas, Syd, Suzy and Sinbad were constant companions and a source of joy during long work days. He loved the Seahawks, fishing, reading, playing computer games, going to wineries, summer festivals and showing off Seattle to visitors. His collections of Seahawk jerseys, hats and hot sauces were impressive to those who were honored to be shown. His most prized one was a gift from Tamea via her mother Joyce, #89. He is preceded by Joyce Anne Cole and his beloved Syd.

Services will be Friday, April 20, 2018, 1 pm at Forrest Lawn Funeral Home in West Seattle. Following the service please join us for gathering at Whisky West - one of James' favorite places.

In Lieu of flowers please make a donation to; http://chihuahua.rescueme.org/Washington