Obituary for James Richard Ducatte (Jim)

James Richard Ducatte (Jim), age 75, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2024, at Tampa General Hospital.

Born on July 12, 1949, in Messina, New York, Jim was the son of the late Clarence Ducatte and Geraldine Pray. He was also preceded in death by his stepfather Vernon Pray, his sisters Marion Bergeron, Carol (Ronald) Jackstadt, and Elsie (William) Clase and her sons Jerry Michael and Johnny Ducatte. 

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Karen, his brother and sister-in-law, John and Cheryl Ducatte, and his brother-in-law Norman Bergeron. He also leaves behind his three daughters, Jill (Blue) School, Dawn (Kevin) Huguet, and Jennifer (Chris) Sondregger. Jim was a proud grandfather to Wednesday, Kaitlyn, Courtney, MacKenzie, Tyler, Kristen, and Colten, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins in upstate New York.

Jim spent his early years in Plattsburgh, New York, before moving to Washington, D.C., where he worked for Budweiser and worked in the U.S. House of Representatives. He later relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida. Jim proudly served in the United States Army in Korea and was a dedicated member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6827, where he served as commander for two years. He was also a devoted member of the American Legion Post 1619 for over 55 years.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, and friend, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.