Papa Jim: The YouTube Grandpa Who Won Hearts | 92-Years
Papa Jim was a beloved internet personality known for appearing in Danny Duncan’s YouTube videos. He passed away at age 92, leaving behind a legacy of pranks and memorable moments.
Who Was Papa Jim?
Papa Jim was a 92-year-old internet personality who gained fame through his appearances on YouTuber Danny Duncan’s channel. Despite what many fans believed, Papa Jim was not actually Duncan’s grandfather but the grandfather of David Tomchinsky, who works as an Executive Assistant and Social Media Manager for Danny Duncan.
Papa Jim became known for his adventurous spirit and willingness to participate in various pranks and activities that most people his age would avoid. His appearances in Duncan’s videos, which included activities like skinny dipping and quad biking, made him an internet sensation and earned him the affection of millions of viewers worldwide.
The news of Papa Jim’s passing was announced by Danny Duncan through an Instagram post on May 12, 2022, where he shared a series of pictures with the elderly prankster.
At the time of his death, Papa Jim was 92 years old, and the specific cause of his death was not made public. More recently, on April 2, 2025, IMDb also reported his passing, noting that Duncan had announced the news with a post featuring highlights of their video appearances together, along with the message “Thank you for all the laughs and unforgettable memories”.
The Rise to Internet Fame
Papa Jim’s journey to internet stardom began when he started appearing in Danny Duncan’s YouTube videos. Duncan, who has amassed over 6.51 million subscribers on his channel, frequently featured Papa Jim in his content. The elderly man quickly became a fan favorite due to his willingness to participate in outlandish activities and pranks that contradicted typical expectations for someone his age.
What made Papa Jim particularly endearing to viewers was his zest for life and his apparent enjoyment of the adventures Duncan planned for him. Despite being in his 90s, he approached these experiences with enthusiasm and good humor, which resonated with audiences of all ages. His appearances showed that age is just a number and that maintaining a youthful spirit is possible regardless of one’s years.
The Special Bond with Danny Duncan
Although Papa Jim was not related to Danny Duncan, the two shared a special bond that was evident in their videos together. Duncan often showcased Papa Jim in his content, creating memorable moments that fans came to love. Their relationship appeared to be based on mutual respect and a shared sense of humor, with Duncan providing Papa Jim with opportunities to experience adventures he might not have had otherwise.
The dynamic between the young YouTuber and the elderly prankster created a unique contrast that added depth to Duncan’s content. It also demonstrated the value of intergenerational friendships and the positive impact such relationships can have on both parties involved. Through their videos together, Duncan and Papa Jim showed that age differences need not be barriers to meaningful connections.
Papa Jim’s Legacy in YouTube Culture
Papa Jim’s impact on YouTube culture extends beyond his appearances in Danny Duncan’s videos. He became a symbol of living life to the fullest regardless of age, inspiring viewers to maintain their sense of adventure and humor throughout their lives. His willingness to participate in pranks and stunts challenged societal expectations about elderly behavior and showed that fun and excitement are not exclusive to the young.
Memorable Moments and Pranks
Throughout his time on Duncan’s channel, Papa Jim participated in numerous memorable pranks and activities. From skinny dipping to quad biking, he approached each adventure with enthusiasm and good humor. These moments not only entertained viewers but also showcased Papa Jim’s adventurous spirit and willingness to step outside his comfort zone.
One of the aspects that made these pranks particularly enjoyable for viewers was Papa Jim’s genuine reactions. Whether he was experiencing something for the first time or engaging in an activity typically associated with younger generations, his authentic responses added a layer of charm to the content. His laughter, surprise, and occasional mock outrage became signature elements that fans looked forward to in Duncan’s videos.
Impact on Fans and Viewers
Papa Jim’s presence in Duncan’s videos had a significant impact on fans and viewers. Many were drawn to his charismatic personality and the joy he seemed to find in life’s adventures. His appearances often garnered positive comments and reactions from viewers who found his spirit inspiring and his antics entertaining.
Beyond entertainment, Papa Jim served as a reminder that age need not limit one’s experiences or enjoyment of life. For younger viewers, he offered a perspective on aging that contradicted negative stereotypes, showing that elderly individuals can remain active, engaged, and open to new experiences. For older viewers, he provided inspiration to maintain their zest for life and continue seeking out adventures and connections.
Death Hoaxes and Confusion
Before his actual passing, Papa Jim had been the subject of death hoaxes on the internet. In February 2021, rumors circulated that he had died after Danny Duncan posted a picture with the caption “I miss you father”. This led to confusion among fans, but it was later clarified that Duncan was simply expressing that he missed Papa Jim because he had been out of town and hadn’t seen him for a while. The choice of words in the caption was considered poor by many netizens who were upset by the misunderstanding.
A few weeks after this incident, rumors about Papa Jim’s death began circulating again on social media platforms. A Twitter user posted “RIP papa Jim you were the highlight of Danny Duncan. Rest In Peace papa Jim,” causing concern among fans who sought confirmation of the news. Duncan quickly addressed these rumors by posting a video on his Instagram story showing Papa Jim alive and well, with Jim himself stating, “I need a shave”.
The Confirmation of His Passing
When Papa Jim actually passed away in 2022, Danny Duncan confirmed the news through an Instagram post on May 12. Unlike the previous hoaxes, this announcement was genuine and was met with an outpouring of grief from fans who had come to love the elderly prankster through his appearances in Duncan’s videos.
The confusion caused by the earlier death hoaxes may have initially led some fans to question whether this announcement was real. However, the tone of Duncan’s post and the subsequent tributes from other content creators and fans confirmed that Papa Jim had indeed passed away. The news was later reported by various media outlets, including IMDb in 2025, which noted his passing at the age of 92.
Other Notable Papa Jims
It’s worth noting that the name “Papa Jim” has been associated with several different individuals, which can sometimes lead to confusion when discussing the internet personality from Danny Duncan’s videos.
CAPT James “Papa Jim” Davitt, Jr.
One notable individual who shared the nickname “Papa Jim” was CAPT James “Papa Jim” Davitt, Jr., a Navy veteran who passed away due to COVID-19 on April 21, 2020, at the age of 87.
This Papa Jim had an extraordinary life, serving his country for 38 years – 3 years of active duty during the Korean War and 35 years in the Naval Reserve Intelligence unit. He retired as a Captain O-6, having earned numerous medals and commendations throughout his military career.
CAPT Davitt’s life story includes serving as a police officer in Newark while pursuing his education, eventually earning multiple degrees including a Master’s in science from NJIT in 1976. He later became an AP physics teacher for the Union County Regional School District for over 20 years. His family remembered him for his love of storytelling, particularly about how he met his wife Cindy, with whom he shared a 62-year marriage.
This Papa Jim was known for his big heart and love for his family, including his children, grandchildren (whom he affectionately called “wisenheimers”), and great-grandchildren. His passing was unrelated to the Papa Jim from Danny Duncan’s videos, but his life story demonstrates the impact individuals with this nickname have had on their communities and loved ones.
Papa Jim’s Ice Cream
Another entity bearing the name “Papa Jim” is Papa Jim’s Ice Cream, a business with locations in Troy and Palmyra, Virginia. This establishment operates from March through October at its original location in Troy, with a second location at Lake Monticello in Palmyra.
Papa Jim’s Ice Cream offers various treats, including their specialty Banana Split and Italian Ice, making it a popular destination for cooling off during hot days. The business engages with its community through events like the 2024 Papa Jim’s T-Shirt Contest, which was won by designer Emmalynn Milleson.
This business shares only a name with the internet personality from Danny Duncan’s videos and represents yet another distinct “Papa Jim” that exists in the public sphere.
The Legacy of Danny Duncan’s Papa Jim
The Papa Jim who appeared in Danny Duncan’s videos left a lasting legacy despite his relatively brief time in the public eye. His willingness to embrace adventure and participate in pranks at an advanced age challenged stereotypes about elderly individuals and inspired viewers to maintain their sense of fun throughout their lives.
Tributes from Fans and Content Creators
Following the announcement of Papa Jim’s passing, tributes poured in from fans and content creators who had been touched by his appearances in Duncan’s videos. Many took to social media to express their grief and share memories of their favorite Papa Jim moments. These tributes highlighted the impact he had made on viewers and the genuine connection many felt with him despite only knowing him through YouTube videos.
The volume and emotional depth of these tributes demonstrated that Papa Jim had transcended his role as a character in Duncan’s content to become a beloved figure in his own right. Fans mourned not just the loss of an entertaining presence in their favorite videos but also the passing of someone who had brought joy and inspiration to their lives.
Continuing Influence on YouTube Content
Papa Jim’s impact on YouTube content extends beyond his own appearances. He helped demonstrate the appeal of intergenerational content and the value of featuring diverse age groups in videos typically targeted at younger audiences. His popularity may have influenced other content creators to include elderly individuals in their videos, recognizing the unique perspectives and humor they can bring.
Additionally, Papa Jim’s legacy lives on through the videos in which he appeared, which continue to be viewed by Duncan’s subscribers and new audiences discovering the content. These videos serve as a lasting testament to his spirit and the joy he brought to viewers around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Papa Jim really Danny Duncan’s grandfather?
No, contrary to what many fans believed, Papa Jim was not Danny Duncan’s grandfather. He was actually the grandfather of David Tomchinsky, who works as an Executive Assistant and Social Media Manager for Danny Duncan. The close bond between Duncan and Papa Jim led many viewers to assume they were related, but their relationship was based on friendship rather than family ties.
How old was Papa Jim when he passed away?
Papa Jim was 92 years old at the time of his passing in 2022. His advanced age made his willingness to participate in adventurous activities and pranks all the more impressive to viewers, who admired his youthful spirit and enthusiasm.
What were some of Papa Jim’s most popular video appearances?
While specific video titles weren’t mentioned in the search results, Papa Jim was known for participating in activities like skinny dipping and quad biking in Duncan’s videos. These adventurous stunts, unusual for someone in their 90s, contributed to his popularity among viewers and showcased his willingness to embrace new experiences regardless of age.
Did Papa Jim have social media accounts of his own?
The search results don’t indicate whether Papa Jim maintained his own social media presence. His public persona was primarily through his appearances in Danny Duncan’s videos and posts on Duncan’s social media accounts. This arrangement allowed Papa Jim to connect with audiences without needing to manage his own online presence at an advanced age.
How did Danny Duncan and Papa Jim meet?
The search results don’t provide specific information about how Danny Duncan and Papa Jim first met. However, since Papa Jim was the grandfather of Duncan’s friend and employee David Tomchinsky, it’s likely that their introduction came through this connection. The friendship that developed between them became the basis for Papa Jim’s appearances in Duncan’s content.
Samantha Yates is a creative writer and journalist with expertise in content creation and editing. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and brings professional experience from Lionbridge, where she developed engaging content for leading technology companies
