James L. Duell

March 11, 2025 at 3:39 p.m.


James L. Duell, age 89, of Brookville died Tuesday morning March 4, 2025 at his residence in Brookville following a brief illness.

Born November 22, 1935 in Batesville he was the only child of the late Leo J. and Irma Elizabeth (Harnishfeger) Duell.  He was veteran of the United States Army, having completed basic training in Colorado and then serving overseas in Germany.

On August 31, 1963 he and the former Janet Sue Fritz were united in marriage, and she preceded him in death on August 15, 2021.

Jim began painting with his grandfather at the age of 16, then later worked for Robert E. Myers as a union pPainter for over 45 years until his retirement.  In his leisure time he enjoyed woodworking, camping, road trips, visiting with family and friends, and “supervising” construction sites around the county.  

He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Council #1010 of Brookville; Painters Union #123; the Bernard Hurst Post #77 of the American Legion, the Fraternal Order of Eagles #1129 of Brookville, the Fraternal Order of Redmen Oshawnee Tribe #220 of Brookville; a member of the Board of Directors of Fairbrook Manor in Brookville, and a member of the Coffee Club.

Survivors include two daughters, Joy (Brian) Baxter and Jill (Randy) Shiflett all of Brookville; four grandchildren, Lynn (Casey)Westerfeld, Chris (Krissy Mullen) Rosenberger, Jeremy (Megan) Shiflett and Abbigail Baxter; great-grandchildren, Miley Glisson, Meadow and Macy Westerfeld, Levi Rosenberger, Austin, Evan, Madison, Teagan Shiflett, and honorary grandson, Ben Simmermeyer; sister-in-law, Brenda (Larry) Robertson; two nieces, Holly (Dan) Harshbarger and Kayla (Josh) Asbury; five great-nieces; as well as many loyal friends.

Family and friends visited Friday, March 7, 2025 at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.

Rev. Vincent P. Lampert officiated the Catholic Funeral Rite on Saturday, March 8, 2025, 10:30 a.m., at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home in Brookville.  Burial with full military graveside honors by the Bernard Hurst Post #77 of the American Legion  followed in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Brookville.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Michael School or Franklin County 4-H Association. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the family of Jim Duell. To sign the online guest book or send condolences, please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Paid obituary

James L. Duell, age 89, of Brookville died Tuesday morning March 4, 2025 at his residence in Brookville following a brief illness.

Born November 22, 1935 in Batesville he was the only child of the late Leo J. and Irma Elizabeth (Harnishfeger) Duell.  He was veteran of the United States Army, having completed basic training in Colorado and then serving overseas in Germany.

On August 31, 1963 he and the former Janet Sue Fritz were united in marriage, and she preceded him in death on August 15, 2021.

Jim began painting with his grandfather at the age of 16, then later worked for Robert E. Myers as a union pPainter for over 45 years until his retirement.  In his leisure time he enjoyed woodworking, camping, road trips, visiting with family and friends, and “supervising” construction sites around the county.  

He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Council #1010 of Brookville; Painters Union #123; the Bernard Hurst Post #77 of the American Legion, the Fraternal Order of Eagles #1129 of Brookville, the Fraternal Order of Redmen Oshawnee Tribe #220 of Brookville; a member of the Board of Directors of Fairbrook Manor in Brookville, and a member of the Coffee Club.

Survivors include two daughters, Joy (Brian) Baxter and Jill (Randy) Shiflett all of Brookville; four grandchildren, Lynn (Casey)Westerfeld, Chris (Krissy Mullen) Rosenberger, Jeremy (Megan) Shiflett and Abbigail Baxter; great-grandchildren, Miley Glisson, Meadow and Macy Westerfeld, Levi Rosenberger, Austin, Evan, Madison, Teagan Shiflett, and honorary grandson, Ben Simmermeyer; sister-in-law, Brenda (Larry) Robertson; two nieces, Holly (Dan) Harshbarger and Kayla (Josh) Asbury; five great-nieces; as well as many loyal friends.

Family and friends visited Friday, March 7, 2025 at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.

Rev. Vincent P. Lampert officiated the Catholic Funeral Rite on Saturday, March 8, 2025, 10:30 a.m., at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home in Brookville.  Burial with full military graveside honors by the Bernard Hurst Post #77 of the American Legion  followed in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Brookville.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Michael School or Franklin County 4-H Association. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the family of Jim Duell. To sign the online guest book or send condolences, please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Paid obituary

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