Perhaps winning an award during the close of the 2012-13 Rowan United Way campaign was a forecast of future prospects for Dr. Jim Duncan, who was named chair of this year’s capital campaign. Duncan received “The Jackie,” an award presented at the end of each United Way campaign to someone who has shown outstanding support of the campaign.
Duncan, who has volunteered for a number of years with various United Way partner agencies, will continue his support as head of the 2013-14 campaign. The agency’s campaign committees are in the midst of finalizing a theme and setting this year’s goal.
“I’m really encouraged this year. I feel confident we will make our goal and we will see more people who will have an opportunity to give more than we have seen in the past,” Duncan said.
The theme for the previous campaign was Life is Worth Giving. The community, businesses and an anonymous donor helped place the campaign over its goal with $1.8 million after volunteers feared the $1.78 million goal would not be met.
“We’ve got a great community, and the folks, when there is a need, they just step up and satisfy the need,” Duncan said.
His goal is to spread the word about the United Way and its 16-member agencies. Duncan said he’s not sure everyone in the community is fully aware of the services some of the agencies provide.
He’s already met with many of the representatives from member agencies, community leaders, officials from surrounding towns, college presidents and business leaders as well as some clients who receive services from those member agencies.
“I want them to know the 16 agencies and see how we can help support them. I’m trying to get the word out about what’s available in the United Way. They are absolutely critical to Rowan County,” he said.
Duncan said he’s not sure some people in the community know how they can support the United Way.
Duncan has volunteered with several of the United Way member agencies, but it was his first time as a campaign volunteer. He was head of the presidents division.
“I’m very excited about working on the campaign. We have such generous people and businesses in the community,” Duncan said.
Duncan is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel where he worked as an Army inspector general at the Pentagon. He is the current broker-in-charge and owner of Duncan Properties, the former co-owner of JJ’s Construction Co. and the current sector commander of the U.S. Army Special Forces Robin Sage field exercise. Duncan, who is an avid runner, is the current race director for the annual Spooky Sprint 5K Run/Walk race. He serves on the United Way board, the Rowan Rotary board and president-elect of the Chief’s Club at Catawba College.
He has held positions on various boards, including Rufty-Holmes Senior Center and Services for Older Adults of Rowan County, the Nursing Home Advisory Committee and the Family Crisis Council. He is a member of Christiana Lutheran Church. He graduated from Columbus State University, Florida Institute of Technology and received a doctor of ministry from Christian Life School of Theology.
Duncan and his wife, Linda Broadway Duncan, have been married for 50 years. The couple reside in Rockwell. The Duncans have to two children and 10 grandchildren.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.