James H. Tucker, 85, of Cleveland, TN, died on Friday, January 25, 2013, at his home.
Jim was born in Menlo, GA in 1928. He was married to Frances Ann Sasser Tucker for almost 60 years. Jim enlisted in the Navy at 17, later serving in the Air Force for 20 years. During this time, he and Fran were stationed in Newfoundland, Georgia, England, California, and Nebraska. Upon his military retirement in 1970, Jim and Fran moved to Cleveland TN, assuming the position of Director of the Cleveland Boy’s Club. Jim truly loved Cleveland and the many family and friends in this area where he affectionately became known as “Mr. T.” He and Fran invested their life at the Boy’s Club, which was later named after Jim. He was actively involved with helping establish Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, and was very happy to recently see the 100th house being built for deserving Cleveland residents. Jim was also a strong supporter of United Way, serving in fund raising activities and helping to establish an endowment fund. Jim had also actively supported other community services such as the Optimist Club, and Sertoma Club.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman having played baseball for the University of Georgia, and pitched until age 37 in Air Force baseball leagues. Golf, tennis and racquetball were also sports he enjoyed. He loved camping and trout fishing with his family. Tellico and Hiwassee Rivers were among their favorite camping spots. Jim and Fran have been active members of Broad Street United Methodist Church since arriving in Cleveland in 1970. The Tucker family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the Cleveland community for the many expressions of love and support.
Jim was preceded in death by his son, Fred; granddaughter, Keri; two sisters; and three brothers.
He is survived by his wife, Frances; sons, Tom and wife Gigi of Cumming, GA, Bob and wife Amy of Simpsonville, SC and Jim and wife Sheppard of Knoxville; grandchildren, Jennifer Ann, Laura Elizabeth, MaryBeth, Robert Hamilton, Katie Ann, Nathan Andrew, and Alexandra Rose Tucker; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 29, at 11 a.m.at Broad Street United Methodist Church with Reverends Randy Martin, Skip White, and Debbie Stokes officiating. Interment will follow in Hilcrest Memorial Gardens concluding with a white dove release ceremony. Serving as pallbearers will be Rob Tucker, Janson Ledford, Jerry Franitza, Ralph Buckner, Jr., Bill Birch, and Freddie Seckinger. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Sain, Elwood Sperry, Bob Taylor, and Chuck Haney.
The family will receive friends Monday, January 28, from 5-8 p.m. at Ralph Buckner Funeral Home, who has charge of the arrangements, and also 10-11 a.m. prior to the service at the church on Tuesday, January 29.
The family requests memorials be made to Habitat for Humanity or Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Cleveland.