James Vincent Dugan
(1933-2024)
James Vincent Dugan, 91, of Penfield, a business owner, landowner, mover, farmer, school bus driver, husband, father, and grandfather, died November 27th after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Jim is preceded in death by parents Thomas Dugan and Rose Dugan, and by his siblings, John Dugan, Mary Kavanagh, Sister Theresa DePaul, and Anna Lowe. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Cathy Dugan; children Patrick Dugan, Katie Dugan Barber (Al Allen); two grandchildren, Annie Barber and Henry Barber; and so many loving family and friends.
Born a child of the Depression, Jim learned to work hard and appreciate what he was given and what he earned. This dedication guided him throughout his life at work, in the fields, and in his home. He loved to be surrounded by loved ones, farm his land, ski, sail, and be on the water.
Many who knew Jim described him as a soft-spoken, humble man, with a strong presence. He wholeheartedly enjoyed family and friends and time with his grandchildren. He was always thinking, always trying to devise new ways to find some sort of good investment or deal.
Jim proudly answered the call to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean war, stationed in Georgia. He earned two degrees from the University of Dayton; one in Electrical Engineering and one in Business Administration. He married Catherine Ritzel on September 5, 1964. He co-owned Dugan Brothers Trucking, a refuse container business; worked as a mover and supervisor for Allied Van Lines; and invested in land and property, all the while farming over 100 acres of land. He enjoyed being outdoors with the cows, sheep, pigs, horses, geese, goats, and chickens, and enjoyed the farm life, raking and baling hay with Patrick and Katie. Siblings, cousins, and friends have fond memories of the whole farm experience, the huge country fairs, swinging from the 30-foot rope hanging from the rafters in the barn, and the fun-filled hayrides that were always such an integral part of the event.
Their first move after his retirement was to buy a hurricane-damaged home off the Albemarle Sound in Hertford, North Carolina to occupy their time in refurbishing it to its natural beauty.
Jim will be remembered for his dry, quick-witted humor, his joy for farming, and most of all his love for family and friends. Jim and Cathy’s farm home was an open, revolving door for all who wished to stop by.
Jim and Cathy loved collecting and refurnishing antiques and had great pride in the collection that they accumulated throughout their years together. Jim loved everything about the outdoors and farming. His family spent many summers on Sodus Bay, and he loved taking them out on his sailboat and swimming with the family dog.
He was an active member at St. Joseph Church. He and Cathy had a strong faith that was important to them and made many contributions to various Catholic organizations.
In lieu of flowers, please share your memories of Jim as we continue to remember a great man.
Services will be held Friday, December 13th, 11:00am at Saint Joseph Church 43 Gebhardt Rd, Penfield, NY 14526, with a reception on-site to follow.
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