James C. "Chris" Duty

It is with much sadness to announce the passing of James Christopher Duty, (Chris) at 59 years of age. Chris passed away surrounded by his lovely daughter, Leah Ann Duty, and his doting sister, Marybeth D. Young on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at the Compass Regional Hospice Center after a short battle, less than 30 days, of being diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Chris Duty was born October 3, 1963, in Olney, MD, to the late William H. Duty, Jr., and Betty Sue Duty. He was the second youngest of seven children. Two preceded his death, older brother, Michael Hayes Duty, and younger brother, J. Scott Duty. He is survived by his daughter, Leah Ann Duty, and grandson, Daxton Navy Jones. Chris is also survived by his siblings, Marybeth D. Young and her husband Donald L. Young, William H. Duty III (Butch) and his wife Janice LaBrie Duty, John Duty Sr., and his wife Jeannie Tull Duty, and Carol Duty McGraw; and his nephews and nieces, Cory Kaufman, William “BJ” Duty, Jessica Duty Engle, John Duty, Jr., Amber Duty, Jordan McGraw, and MacKenzie McGraw. Chris graduated with the Class 1981 from Queen Anne’s County High School. He was an auto mechanic by trade and a had the passion for becoming an author and illustrator of many children’s books. Books by Duty’s Head are known for warm and humorous stories about Chris, as a kid growing up on Kent Island. Most of the stories always ended with the last page featuring a little boy and the main character walking into the sunset. On Tuesday April 25th, Chris walked towards his final sunset. Chris was ecstatic to become a grandfather, couldn’t wait to show his grandson the ropes of the mechanic trade, and to watch him grow. Like many of Chris’s siblings, he was not the kind of man to sit still. He cared and showed his love in an often-witty manner. His favorite saying was no matter what, don’t forget to laugh. Chris was full of kindness, generosity, and a sense of humor and will always be remembered. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at American Legion Post 278, located at 800 Romancoke Road in Stevensville, MD, on Sunday, May 21, from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. In Lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Kent Island Federation of Art, 405 Main Street, Maryland 21666. Chris lived in this house as a child, and then had the opportunity for him to display his books by Duty’s Head and do a book-signing which meant so much to him.