James Lee Tucker

James Lee Tucker
of Zephyrhills, Florida

James Lee Tucker, born May 12, 1933, in Endicott, New York, passed away peacefully on August 12th, 2025 in Zephyrhills, Florida, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born to Reed Edward and Ruth Tucker. Jim was a proud U.S. Army Veteran Specialist Third Class with the Airborne at Fort Bragg. He lived a life marked by integrity, generosity, and unwavering faith. He retired at the age of 56 from Columbia Gas and spent his later years doing the things he loved most—spending time with family, playing shuffleboard, golfing, riding his bike, and enjoying a good game of cards. Known for his honesty and helpful spirit, Jim was always ready to lend a hand, and he held fast to the values of family and faith throughout his life.

Jim shared 30 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Janice Tucker. He is survived by his children: Brian Tucker (Nancy), Rene’ Reed (Bradley), Jane Tucker (Cindy), and his step-children, Karen Justesen (Hal), Suzanne Dirig (Brian), Denise Stafford, Terrie Butler (John), and Jay Zaczek (Stephanie). He was predeceased by his daughter, Laura Gould. Jim also lovingly welcomed a number of foster children into his home in the 1960s and 1970s: foster daughters Shelli Gamlen (Ken) and Susan Leimer and foster sons James Leimer and Ronald Wood into his family (among others). It is a testament to his loving character that most of his foster children reached out to him in adulthood. He leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who will carry his memory forward with love.

Jim is survived by two siblings, Dave Tucker (Judy) and Sandra Watson, and was preceded in death by his parents, Reed Edward and Ruth Tucker, as well his seven siblings, Edwin, Charlotte, Dorothy, Robert, Alvin, Horton and Paul.

He was a part of Colony Hills Community, FL where he enjoyed playing shuffleboard, riding his bike, playing golf, playing cards, dancing, raising cane and volunteering at different functions, he made many friends throughout the years! He was known for his honesty and helpful spirit, Jim was always ready to lend a hand, and he held fast to the values of family and faith throughout his life.

Jim often shared these words, which reflected the heart of his life and legacy:
"Put God first, treat others with kindness, work hard, and give generously of yourself."

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Aimee DelValle and hospice nurses for their loving care and support during Jim’s final days.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2025 at 3pm at Hennessy's Funeral Home, 78 Second St. Deposit, NY. The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home on Sunday, August 31, 2025 from 2pm to 3pm. Interment will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Deposit, NY directly following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to honor Jim by living out the values he cherished—faith, family, and helping others. If you would like to make a donation to the Memorial Garden at Colony Hills 35144 Wagner Way, Zephyr Hills, Florida33641 c/o Ann Cunningham or to the Heart Association.