James Duerson, Sr. was
a member and past president of the
Louisa County Ruritan Club
and served on the Rapidan Ruritan District Cabinet
Obituary from the Woodword Funeral Home website:
James Edward Duerson, Sr., 97, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family as was his wish. He was born prematurely on January 14, 1927, at Indian Rock Farm in Spotsylvania County, home of his mother. Many stories were told by his beloved Crafton uncles on how they kept him warm as he was so small he was easily held in one hand.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Cassie Duerson; his sisters, Ann Duerson Grant and her husband Mercer, and Hilda Duerson Miller; brother, David V. Duerson; and son-in-law, Tommy Evans.
James is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 64 years, Dorothy Irene Hart; and their four children, Irene D. Luck (Tommy), Jimmy Duerson (Chris), Garnett Duerson (Janis) and Donna Duerson-Evans. He was Papa to 6 grandchildren, Timmy Luck (Samantha), John Luck (Katherine), Andrew Lunsford (Haley), Adam Lunsford, Garrett Duerson and Cassie Duerson. He was also Papa to 3 great-granddaughters, Chassy Groome, Piper Luck and Owynn Luck. He was also survived by his sister-in-law, Betty Jane Duerson; and a very special brother-in-law, Marty Hart (Pam); and many nieces and nephews.
James lived in the Elk Creek community of Louisa County his entire life, where he worked alongside his father and grandfather on the dairy farm at Bear Castle, until the establishment of Lake Anna no longer left enough land for the farm. He then established his construction company and built the first lake front home on the Louisa side of the lake. He faithfully attended Elk Creek Baptist Church and served in many capacities including Treasurer, Clerk, Deacon and Moderator. He served on the Board of Deacons for 59 years, 29 as Chair.
James believed in community service and was a charter member of the Santa Council of Louisa County and Habitat for Humanity. He was also a dedicated member of the Louisa County Ruritan Club for 68 years, 62 of those years he had perfect attendance. During his time there, he served several times as the Vice President, and then the President, and also as a director of that club. James was also the Growth & Development Chair for the Rapidan Ruritan District Cabinet for as far back as the records show online (they go back as far as 1995) but he might have been the Chair for longer than that. He also served as a Zone Governor for the District Cabinet several times.
The family will receive friends from 4 until 7pm on Monday, December 30, 2024 at Elk Creek Baptist Church. A Funeral Service will be held at 11am on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at Elk Creek Baptist Church, with interment to immediately follow in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions are requested to be sent to Elk Creek Baptist Church, Attn: Mike Bridges at 5916 Kentucky Springs Rd., Mineral, VA 23117, or Louisa County Ruritan Club, Attn: Don Hackler, 40 Deer Tail Lane, Louisa, VA 23093.