James McDuff, 72, of 5th Avenue, died on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at Samaritan Hospital due to an acute cardiac incident. He was born in Whitehall, NY a son of the late Eugene and Ruth Blair McDuff. James had been a Troy resident for many years. He lived at the ONeil Apartments for years and was a welcoming presence there. He was a kind, generous and loving man who just wanted to help people. He was often found around the building helping with maintenance and just being a good neighbor. James leaves behind to mourn his loss siblings: Carol Ryan Ray (James) of Covington, GA and Raymond D. McDuff, Sr. of Fort Edward, NY, nieces and nephews: Carol Ann, Barbie, Bonnie, Tommy, Jason; Raymond McDuff, Jr., Kristi and Kellan Robert McDuff and Carol Ann, Christopher and Nicole McDuff as well as a large extended family. Services for James were held privately and at the convenience of the family.