James Tucker

James Pedro Tucker, 80, of Sallisaw, passed away Thursday, July 1, 2020, in Baptist Hospital in Ft. Smith, Ark. He was born Oct. 18, 1939, in Russellville, Ark. to Homer and Nancy (Elsey) Tucker. He grew up in Russellville and Kinta. James joined the Marines at the age of 17 and served for three years and then he reenlisted and served four years in the Navy. He served in Japan and Hawaii and was a Vietnam veteran. He met and married the girl who stole his heart, Margaret Shaffer, in 1969 and made their home in Kinta. James began as a coal miner for Kerr McGee for 15 years and ended his career at the Army Ammunition Plant in McAlester where he retired in the mid 1990s. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping; loved all sports, especially watching his grandsons play ball.

James is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Damon and Valerie Tucker of Sallisaw; two grandsons, Cade and Cord Tucker of Sallisaw and sister, Sally Kinslow of Shawnee.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Nancy Tucker; the love of his life, his wife of 45 years, Margaret Tucker; his siblings, Edith Franklin and Woodrow Tucker.

Graveside service was at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2020, at Sans Bois Cemetery with the Rev. C.B. Coplen III.

Pallbearers included Keith Bowen, Derek Bowen, James Neal, Mike Nelson, Roy King and Bent Carpenter.

Honorary pallbearers included Ralph Carpenter and Boyd King.

Burial followed immediately under the direction of King & Shearwood Funeral Home of Stigler.