31 May 1940 ~ 28 November 2025

With profound sadness, the National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Association (NATEODA) announces the passing of our Past President, SFC James “Jim” Edward Duncan, USA Retired, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, who departed this life on November 28, 2025. Jim was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on 31 May 1940. He was married to his wonderful wife, Judith A. “Judy” Duncan.

Jim was a pillar of the EOD community and a trusted leader whose decades of service embodied courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the mission and the people he loved. He entered the Army in July 1957 and took basic training at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. Most of his military career was spent in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). He attended the EOD and Nuclear Weapon course at Indian Head, Maryland, in 1962. He started his EOD career in the 61st Ordnance Detachment (EOD), Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in 1962 after completing EOD School. He served various EODC and EOD Detachments in the United States, Panama, and Vietnam. It included the 184th Ordnance Battalion (EOD Section), Republic of Vietnam, 546th Ordnance Detachment (EODCC), Fort Sam Houston, Texas. 36th Ordnance Detachment (EOD), Fort Clayton, Canal Zone, Panama; 41st Ordnance Detachment (EOD), Ft Bliss, Texas; 546th Ordnance Detachment (EODCC), Fort Sam Houston, Texas; and 52nd Ordnance Detachment (EOD), Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Jim retired from the Army on 1 April 1978 with the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7). After retiring from the Army, he joined the Louisiana State Police (Explosive Control Unit) after completing the Louisiana State Police Academy.  He was commissioned as an Officer to enforce the Louisiana explosive laws and respond to any explosive incident (IEDs, military explosive ordnance, deteriorated explosives, bomb threats, illegal use of explosives, and arson fire investigation). He worked with U.S. Federal Agencies, FBI, and ATF, on the investigation of theft and illegal use of explosives, manufacture of IEDs, and arson for profit fires. After retiring from the Louisiana State Police, he joined the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration, as a Hazardous Material Investigator/Specialist. He enforced federal laws governing the transportation of hazardous materials and explosives, and investigated accidents involving them.

He was a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and served on its board. Was the President of the IAAI Louisiana Chapter from 1989 to 1990 and was a life Member. He was a member of the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (IABTI) for many years. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from IABTI for Distinguished Service and Outstanding Contribution to the Association of such Magnitude as to Bring Honor and Recognition to Himself and the Profession. Jim was a member of the National EOD Association (NATEODA), member #1167. Jim was the past Commander of the NATEODA.

Leadership in NATEODA
Jim has been a member of NATEODA since 17 January 2009. He was Commander 2021 – 2024- and was awarded the NATEODA Distinguished Service Medal in September 2024. As a Past President of NATEODA, Jim provided steady guidance, mentorship, and vision. He was deeply committed to preserving EOD heritage, supporting technicians and their families, and strengthening the community he cherished. His leadership and friendship will forever be part of the NATEODA legacy.

A Brother Remembered
Jim’s life reflected everything we value in the EOD profession — courage under pressure, service before self, and loyalty to his teammates. His impact will be felt for years to come, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of serving alongside him.

Memorial arrangements will be shared with the NATEODA Family as soon as they are available. Until then, we ask that you keep Jim, his family, and his loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time.

Rest easy, Jim. We have the watch.