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James Duffy Duswalt

January 25, 2023

James Duffy DuswaltJames Duffy Duswalt, 70, Clayton, passed away Wednesday morning, January 25, 2023 at Samaritan Medical Center. He had a six year battle with cancer that he faced with dignity and grace.

James was born in Pequannock, NJ, January 3, 1953, son of James Duffy Duswalt and Laura Jean Moody Duswalt. He attended Jefferson Township High School, NJ. On August 14, 1993 he married Candace "Candy" Mesmer in Stillwater, NJ.

He was a Computerized Draftsman for BASF and Allied Signal in NJ. He retired as the Manager of New Business for PSE&G in Newark, NJ. The couple bought their house in Clayton in 1995 and after his retirement, moved there permanently in November 2019.

James greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and friends. He loved his Hot Rod, a '32 Plymouth and riding his Harley with Frankie and the boys. He enjoyed laughter while rocking on his front porch, tinkering and fixin', coin collecting, and his heart was in the many relationships he had with others and God.

Along with his wife, Candy, James is survived by his two children, Jessica L. Speechley, Alexandria Bay and Michael J. Duswalt and fiancée, Kori Falcon, Roanoke, VA; three grandchildren, Natalie P. Duswalt, Kane Speechley, and Audrie Speechley; three siblings, Marion Pinney, LaFargeville, Michael Duswalt and wife Margo, Rosenberg, TX, and Lori Johnson and husband Bruce, Wallis, TX, Linda Ciangetti, Lansford, PA, and Jean Clark, White Plains; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

At his request, he will be cremated. A celebration of his life will be held when the family can enjoy the River, which he loved. Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Clayton and online condolences to James' family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to any Kidney Cancer Research charity.

Comments  

#12 Thomas LaClair 2023-02-07 09:01
Candy, my sincere condolences to you and your family. Although I have only known you a short time, and Jim even less so, the love and respect between you two was easily felt. My heart felt thoughts are with you in mind. Tom LaClair, Clayton Historian.
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#11 Paige Solomon 2023-01-29 13:51
Hello,
I knew your amazing husband through smartpatients
My heart is aching for you.
He was an amazing man who helped so many of us
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#10 Dee Fuller 2023-01-28 21:45
My condolences to Candy and family, from the little bit that I knew him I was impressed with his friendliness and kindness. May he rest in peace.
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#9 Michael Whitley 2023-01-27 19:48
I’m so saddened to hear this news. I am also a stage IV kidney cancer patient and Jim’s sharing on smartpatients helped me and so many other people. His family is held deep in my thoughts.
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#8 Karen Eagleson 2023-01-27 16:00
I am so saddened to learn of Jim's passing. I am also a kidney cancer patient and I met Jim at a SmartPatients lunch in NYC 5 years ago. It was only a few hours but I felt a real connection and he made me laugh. Such a nice man. He dealt with this disease so bravely and helped pioneer the direction of KC research and treatment through his involvement with clinical trials. For his friendship and leadership we will always be grateful. My sincere condolences to Jim's wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends. RIP our dear friend JddJr. You are missed.
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#7 Diana Beaumont 2023-01-27 15:18
Candy, the whole Smart Patients family who followed your Jim's generous posts on our forum, sends their remembrances, their sympathies, their admiration for a man we consider a real hero, who ventured selflessly into research areas with the aim of helping not only himself but others with kidney cancer.
We all mourn his loss and celebrate his amazing spirit. We hope he's off floating on a boat somewhere and pulling in lots of fish. Sending you many hugs, prayers, and holding you in our hearts. "Sleuth Diana"
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#6 Robert Woudenberg 2023-01-27 09:35
I’m so saddened by Jim’s passing. He was a great friend from PSE&G. One of my cherished memories is when we spent a day at 1000 Islands with Jim and his family with my family. We went out on his boat touring the islands and anchored by an island beach. You have our deepest condolences.
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#5 Sharon Bourquin 2023-01-27 09:26
Candy, I’m so sorry that you no longer have Jim with you. I didn’t know him long but it only took a few minutes with him to realize how special a person he was. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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#4 Larry Rippon 2023-01-27 08:31
Jim was a good friend and mentor and I am heart broken over his passing. He was a kind and generous soul. God Bless you Jim, you'll be greatly missed. RIP my friend.
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#3 Jeffery Martin 2023-01-27 07:53
Candy, I am so sorry to here about Jimmy. I will always remember how he opened up his home and heart for our family. But most of all I will remember his infectious smile. Again I am so sorry for your loss.
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