Jim Duea Retires After 26 Years

On April 9, 2025, the Waukee Community School District announced that longtime activities director Jim Duea would retire.

Duea began his career in education at Valley High School, where he taught math and served as the head coach of the boys’ track and field team and the assistant coach of the football and basketball teams. Under his leadership, Valley’s track team captured a state championship in 1998. This change marks the end of a thirty-eight-year career dedicated to athletics and the performing arts. Duea had dedicated most of his life to sports, whether that was as an athlete, coach or administrator.

After his time at Valley High School, Duea transitioned into an administrative role. He became the activities director at Waukee High School in the fall of 1999. He served in that role for 22 years and played a critical role in shaping the identity of Waukee’s programs and guiding them to statewide recognition with multiple awards, championships and collegiate scholarships.

When Waukee Northwest High School opened its doors in 2021, Duea became the first activities director for the school. He helped lay the groundwork for a strong, competitive and inclusive extracurricular culture.

“As a teacher and a coach, I knew that eventually I wanted to get into a school administration role. I knew I didn’t want to be a principal and I loved athletics so being the activities director seemed like the obvious option,” stated Duea. 

During his time as an activities director at both schools, he was a part of 53 state championships. His accomplishments did not stop there. He oversaw a robust and diverse program that included 24 athletic teams, 13 performing arts groups and 15 student clubs. Each program offers unique opportunities for students to explore their passions and develop leadership skills. 

In reflecting on his career, Duea shared, “The most rewarding part was watching the growth and success at both schools and the increase in the level at which we were able to compete.”

Though Duea’s official time with the Waukee Community School District is coming to an end, he will continue his love for sports as he takes on an assistant director role with the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union. (What is the IGHSAU?) Duea’s primary duties will be serving as the sports administrator for cross country and track and field. He will administer each sport’s season, oversee the state championship meets and assist with eligibility cases. 

“I think my number one goal would be to be a good team member in the organization and be a knowledgeable resource to the athletic directors and coaches in the state,” Duea exclaimed.