Tributes paid to Rotarian and businessman

James Douglas Peter Duckett was an only child born in Folkingham who grew up on North Parade in Sleaford, attending William Alvey primary school where at the age of 10 he was awarded a scholarship to attend Carre’s Grammar School and even received a letter from the local MP who congratulated him and wished him luck for his secondary education.

His proud attachment to Carre’s remained throughout his life. He loved sport and represented his school and county in football and tennis, as well as taking to the stage in theatrical productions.

He met his wife, Janet, at primary school and they courted throughout their teenage years. He gained an apprenticeship in engineering with Rustons in Lincoln while Janet trained to be a teacher in London. They eventually married on August 18, 1960 at St Denys’ Church and spent their early married life in Peterborough where James worked for Perkins Engines, a role that took him all over the world – Thailand, Eastern Europe and behind the Iron Curtain where he met with Russian political leaders.

They had two daughters, Rachael and Helen, and they moved back to Lincolnshire in 1976 when James agreed to help his father run the agricultural firm in the town, Fenton and Townsends.

They lived in Ruskington and all enjoyed playing tennis at Ruskington tennis club. Janet taught at Winchelsea School, where Helen is now the headteacher.

Helen recalls: “Dad became a formidable businessman with a strong desire to be at the forefront of new initiatives, bringing international companies to the county and the company grew and grew. Dad expanded into other businesses including two filling stations and leased land to support the growth of many other local businesses such as Scoffers fish and chip shop.”

As a businessman he was proud to be involved in the town and became a well-known Sleaford figure, a chairman of governors at Carre’s, a president of the Rotary Club of Sleaford in 1996 as well as club photographer and press officer. He was also a member of Probus, a keen photographer, golfer and bowler.

One of his proudest moments was being awarded the title of Sleafordian of the Year.

Helen said: “Dad was a super father to me and Rachael and loving grandfather to Holly and Daisy and despite poor health in more recent years he was still very much an active part of Sleaford life.”

Paying tribute, Rotary Club of Sleaford president Alan Thomas said Jim was an enthusiastic and highly respected member of the Rotary Club of Sleaford for over 30 years.

“He very much enjoyed the social side and banter at club meetings on a Tuesday lunchtime. Originally, Jim was not sure about women joining Rotary, but he quickly realised how important they became to Rotary service and was impressed by their enthusiasm and commitment to Rotary’s ideals.”

Jim enjoyed meeting with Rotarians in other clubs and forged a special relationship with the Rotary Club of Bourne, where he organised the annual golf match between the two clubs. He also enjoyed the minor sports matches with other clubs.

He was a great supporter of the Christmas party at Eslaforde Gardens and members often pulled his leg that he was older than most of the residents.

His exemplary service to Rotary International was recognised with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award, the highest award a Rotarian can obtain.

Alan said: “Jim Duckett nourished our lives in so many wonderful ways and he will be greatly missed by his fellow Rotarians.”

Due to current restrictions the funeral will be a private family service at Grantham crematorium on December 22 but the family intend to hold a service celebrating his life in St Denys’ Church next year.

Any donations should be sent to Colin Ward Funeral Services on Boston Road, Sleaford. They will be shared equally between Rainbow Stars (a Sleaford charity that supports children and families with Special Needs) and the Lincs and Notts air ambulance.