J. Fred Duckett passed away

[CowtownPV]

This is from texastrack.com. J. Fred was a great announcer who worked nearly every big meet in Texas. You did not want to play track trivia with this guy. Many meets when he would announce someone and tell of all their awards he did this without notes. He will be missed.


A Texas Legend is Gone
The track and field world lost a true legend Monday night when J. Fred Duckett succumbed to his battle with leukemia at a Houston hospital.

J. Fred, a teacher at Awty International School in Houston, a long-time track and field official, a former PA announcer for the Houston Astros (known for his rousing call of "Jose Cruuuuuuz!" that all long-time Astros fans remember well) and the Houston Oilers, is best know in the track and field community as the PA voice of many major meets in the United States including the Texas Relays.

J. Fred's encyclopedic knowledge of track and field brought together stats and passion to his unique perspective. I was fortunate to become friends with J. Fred over the last 10 years because of our shared love for the sport. We spent a lot of time talking about a variety of topics. I will always treasure the memory of the times I shared with my friend who I will miss dearly. Not everyone knew just how deeply he cared for the sport of track and field or how much he contributed in so many ways..

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 28, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the George H. Lewis Funeral Home located at 1010 Bering Drive. Memorial Services will be held on Friday, June 29, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. on Rice University Campus at Autry Court