James Edson Duffy

Mr. Duffy attained a unique status among America’s broadcasting and communications executives and was highly respected for his strong ethics and progressive leadership. Following a distinguished 46-year career in television and radio, he devoted his time and effort to public and community service, using the powerful reach and influence of broadcasting.

Mr. Duffy was born in Decatur, Illinois, to Harold Frances and Corinne Longenbaugh Duffy on April 2, 1926. He graduated from Oak Park River Forest High School (IL) in 1944. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet and served as a sergeant with the 925th Guard Squadron.

He graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Beloit College (WI). Mr. Duffy maintained a close relationship with his alma mater, establishing the successful Duffy Community Partnership Program and a scholarship for creative writing, endowed in honor of his five children.

Mr. Duffy began his career in broadcasting as an announcer at Station WBNB while attending Beloit. After graduation in 1949, he joined ABC as a publicity writer in Chicago. In 1960, Leonard Goldenson, the chairman of ABC, brought him to New York as director of national sales for the Radio Network. Two years later, he was named the executive vice president of the Radio Network. He was promoted in 1963 to the Television Network, where he served as vice president in charge of sales for seven years.

In 1970, Mr. Duffy became president of ABC Television Network for an unprecedented 15 years. During his tenure, he was instrumental in making ABC-TV number one in program ratings and national sales and increased the number and quality of affiliated stations.

In celebration of his 30th anniversary with ABC, the ABC Affiliate Association presented Mr. Duffy with a crystal statue inscribed, “He is the statesman among us all. He always sensed and did what had to be done – now, not tomorrow. His is the road to progress. He speaks and lives by the words: ‘Here is a way we can go together.’”

Mr. Duffy’s accomplishments have had a resounding impact on television today. His innovations ushered in new concepts in programming for children, public service projects, different forms of audience measurements, and new procedures in sales and affiliate relations. As a result of his extensive experience in the industry, Mr. Duffy developed a unique perspective on the extraordinary power and influence, along with the tremendous responsibility, of broadcast media. He made a consistent effort to ensure the network fulfilled its important social obligations.

Mr. Duffy's significant contributions to the broadcasting industry were recognized by numerous awards,

including broadcasting's highest honor, The Distinguished Service Award, presented to him in 1989 by

the National Association of Broadcasters Foundation of America.

From 1985 to 1989, Mr. Duffy served as president of the Office of Communications, Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. In that capacity, he initiated several special projects, including Project Literacy US (PLUS), where he served as National Spokesperson with Barbara Bush. He addressed a wide cross section of audiences in the United States on education and literacy issues and the influential role of broadcasting in public service. Mr. Duffy understood that reading created a bridge to knowledge, success, and independence and dedicated many years to bringing literacy to the forefront of national discourse and encouraging organizations and individuals to join the cause. His many honors, including President Reagan's Volunteer Action Award and the National Literacy Coalition’s Lifetime Achievement Award, are testimony to those rare and extraordinary qualities that rightfully earned him national and international recognition.

Mr. Duffy was a cofounder of Youth, INC, which serves youth organizations in the greater New York area and was a member of the advisory board of MENTOR, the National Mentoring Partnership. He also served on the executive committee and board of directors of the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation, on the executive committee of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, on President Reagan’s Private Sector Initiative Board, and on President George H. W. Bush’s Education Policy Advisory Commission.

During his years in Sarasota, Mr. Duffy was an active member of the Broadcasters Club of Florida, the Media Roundtable of Sarasota, and The Literacy Council of Sarasota.

In January 2002, Mr. Duffy published his book, "The Wind in the Trees," a candid, poignant, and often humorous story of his personal life and his many years in broadcasting. He also wrote a children’s book, about his three loving and lively Jack Russell Terriers, "The Adventures of Emmy, Endy & Alfie Duffy, Too!," Those who knew Mr. Duffy remember him as a man of wit, a proud Irishman, and a musical soul, who, at the first sound of a keyboard, would break into song singing “Lucille” or any number of standards from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. He was an avid sports fan, enjoyed poetry, history, and the wonders of nature. Graced with progressive vision and true compassion, James Duffy was a man whose interests spanned generations and who valued people from all walks of life.

Mr. Duffy is predeceased by his sister, Marjorie Duffy Connell, and his children, Jay, Terry, Diane, and Marcia. He is survived by his cherished daughter, Corinne F. Duffy, his long-time love and partner, Julie Baker, his former wife, Ellie Trueman, his beloved dog, Alfie, and his many friends.

James Duffy was a true gentleman, who will be remembered for his style, dignity, and integrity.

Those who wish, may make contributions in Mr. Duffy’s name to The Literacy Council of Sarasota, 1750 17th St., Bldg K-3, Sarasota, FL 34234 or https://www.sarasotaliteracy.org/donate/