James Lynn Duckworth, 81, of Wichita Falls, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 14th, 2026, in Wichita Falls, Texas.

He was born on June 27th, 1945 in Hobart, Oklahoma, to R.J. and Edith Duckworth. James grew up in Olney and Wichita Falls, Texas, and attended S.H. Rider High School, as part of the first graduating class in 1963.

James proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1972. During his time in the Navy, he was stationed on the U.S.S. King and was part of the Naval Reserve. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars. His service was an important part of his life and reflected his dedication to his country.

Following his military service, James began the next chapter of his life with his marriage to his beloved wife, Lynette Duckworth (maiden name Johnston), in 1973. Together, they shared 53 years of marriage and raised two children, Shane and Ashli. He went on to work at Washex for 14 years and later became the owner of Doc’s Payless Liquor Store near Possum Kingdom Lake until his retirement in November of 2013.

Family was especially important to James. He is survived by his wife, Lynette Duckworth; their two children, Shane Duckworth and his husband, Seph Maldonado, and Ashli Duncan and her husband, Curtis Duncan; his grandchildren, Mikal David Taylor and Reagan Duncan; and his older sister MaryAnn Duckworth. He was preceded in death by his father, R.J. Duckworth; his mother, Edith Neelley Duckworth; his sister, Barbara K Duckworth Bradley; his stepmother, Dorothy Rudkins Duckworth; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Those who knew James will remember him for being a man of few words, his dry humor, patience, and humbleness. He enjoyed many things in life including fishing, hunting, gardening, boating, and anything outdoors, especially at his family farm in Olney, Texas. James lived a simple life guided by a few sayings that reflected his approach to life: “if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it,” “Let things marinate,” he would say, taking his time before getting back to you, and, of course, the KISS method – “Keep it Simple, Sweetheart.”

A visitation will be held at Lunn’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 19th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., where family and friends are invited to gather and remember James. A private graveside will be held for immediately family.