Walter James "Jim" McDuff, Jr.

Walter James “Jim” McDuff, Jr. of Pass Christian passed away peacefully at home on the morning of February 12, 2024.  

Jim was born in Bastrop, Texas, on July 10, 1933.  His parents were Walter James McDuff, Sr and Edith Lewine Lawhon McDuff. 

He was raised outside of Elgin, Texas and was a graduate of Elgin High School. Upon graduation he enlisted in the US Army, where he served as a radio operator. Once being discharged from the Army he attended the University of Texas, receiving a BS in Geology. Later, he was hired by the Naval Oceanographic Office and served as an Oceanographer until retiring in 1995.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Ursula Doris Bremer McDuff (whom he was married to for 53 years); and his brother, Bobby.

He is survived in death by his daughters, Bridgit McDuff Miller (Frank) and Diane McDuff; his grandchildren, Brennan Proulx, Taylor Miller Nations (Blake), Brooke Miller Melancon (John), and Kelsey McDuff; and his great grandchildren, Indy Nations and Gideon Melancon.

In 1963 he was living in Washington DC and working for NAVOCEANO when he was introduced to Ursula. They quickly fell in love and were married in 1964. They would soon have 2 daughters, Bridgit and Diane McDuff, and the family then moved to Mississippi in 1975.

Jim will be remembered for his witty and sarcastic sense of humor, his wonderful cooking skills, his loyal love for Texas, but mostly, the way he loved his family. Moreover, he will be remembered by the love he had for his wife, Ursula. He cherished the memories of his wife and family and would love to tell stories over and over again to people he would meet. He will be forever missed.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM in the funeral home chapel, followed by interment at Biloxi National Cemetery.