James Leroy Duffin Ii

Lifelong local resident James Leroy Duffin II, 56, of Kelso passed away June 10, 2022, at St. John Medical Center.

He was born Jan 5, 1966, in Longview, to James and Fern (Emmerson) Duffin, and graduated from R.A. Long High School.

Jim served aboard the battleship USS New Jersey as a Boilerman Petty Officer 3rd Class, and later at a Naval Reserve Center. Returning to civilian life, Jim worked for Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company in Longview.

Jim was a loving family man with a happy disposition. He enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, going for walks, time on the beach, caring for his dogs, playing games with family, pulling pranks, and telling jokes.

He married Heidie Duffin Oct. 9, 2021, in Kelso. She survives him at home. Also surviving are a son, James Duffin III of Kelso; a daughter, Nikki Duffin of Kelso; a stepdaughter, Kaitlyn Peebles of Chehalis, Wash.; his stepfather, Dennis Bussing of Mt. Vernon, Wash.; a brother, Dan Duffin in Wisconsin; a sister, Kelly Cyr of Longview; a stepbrother, Shannon Bussing; a stepsister, Denice; his mother-in-law, Beverly Bennett of Kelso; and two grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Sarah Duffin; and his second wife, Katherine Duffin.

A celebration of Jim’s life is planned for 2 p.m. July 3 at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kelso. A second celebration will be held with a potluck from 4 to 7 p.m. July 15 at the AWPPW Hall, 724 15th Ave., in Longview.

Final arrangements have been entrusted to Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park & Crematory.