James "Jim" Walter Tucker, Jr.'s Obituary
James W. Tucker Jr. “Jim” passed peacefully on Christmas morning, 2024 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was 94 years old. Jim was born in Russellville, Arkansas on Oct. 25, 1930 to James W. and Lucretia “Fern”Tucker. He grew up with his sister Virginia Belle (Ginna) Hannah, lots of cousins and a special group of boyhood friends that he stayed in touch with throughout his lifetime. He grew up working at his uncle’s Little Model Cafe, and as he got older he worked in the wheat harvest for three summers in the late 1940’s. At Russellville High School he participated in football, basketball, and ran track. After serving proudly in the US Air Force during the Korean War, he returned to Russellville and received his degree in Business Administration from his beloved Arkansas Tech University. In 1959, Jim married the love of his life, Kay (White) Tucker. They raised four daughters, and their love for one another lasted 65 years. Jim’s #1 priority was always taking care of his family. Being the people person that he was, Jim never met a stranger! He loved his work and friends at DX Sunray/Sunoco Oil Companies where he excelled in sales and marketing. After taking an early retirement, he worked part-time for Arkansas Valley Petroleum. Jim and Kay shared a special love of the Hawaiian islands, considering it their home away from home. Nicknamed “haole boy”, Jim made lifelong friends there, loved Hawaiian music and even learned to play the ukelele. On extended visits, he volunteered his time at the Shriners Hospital in Honolulu. A lifetime member of the American Legion, a Mason, and the first president of the Arkansas Tech University Alumni Association, Jim also served as past president of the Sunoco Retirement Club. He felt strongly about progressive politics and was passionate about his country’s future. He was a lifelong member of the Disciples of Christ Christian Church. Two weeks prior to his passing, Jim was blessed with an encounter with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which reinforced his faith, wanting us all to know “we have a Living God and it’s amazing!”. Jim is preceded in death by his parents James W. and Lucretia Fern Tucker, sister Virginia Belle Hanna, and granddaughter Kasey Waychoff. Jim is survived by his loving wife Kay Tucker; his four daughters and their spouses: Teresa Tucker-Trainum (Julie), Tracy Waychoff (Shelby), Mary Ann Crowl (Kent) and Susan Berna (Brent); eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Christian Church, 103 South Boston Avenue, Russellville, AR 72801. Services will be held on Monday December 30 at 12:30pm at Floral Haven, 6500 S. 129th E. Ave., in Broken Arrow OK. Jim will be buried in the Tucker family plot in Oakland Cemetery, Russellville, Arkansas at a future date.
Floral Haven Funeral Home will be livestreaming Jim's celebration of life service for anyone that is not able to attend in person. Please utilize the link below to attend virtually. The link will be live 15 minutes prior to the start of the service. If you experience any issues regarding the livestream please contact Floral Haven Funeral Home at 918-252-2518.
https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/107918
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