James “Mick” Tucker left his earthly life on September 10, 2026, at the age of 94, in Chandler, Arizona. A memorial service will be held at 10:30am, Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Lemons Memorial Chapel. Memorial service arrangements are under the care of Lemons Funeral Home in Plainview. 

Mick was born on February 2, 1932, to the late Clarence A. Tucker and Susan J. Scott Tucker in Scott City, Kansas. Mick grew up during the tumultuous Dust Bowl Era, or what history refers to as "The Dirty Thirties." He developed his relentless work ethic from picking cotton and harvesting grapes in the sun-soaked fields of California, laboring in wheat fields under the wide-open Kansas sky, and maintaining a 20-mile newspaper route in California, the last of which enabled him to buy his first bicycle-a cherished symbol of his independence.

After high school graduation Mick learned the butcher trade, and later he worked in a men’s clothing store. In 1950 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and completed boot camp at Paris Island, SC. He was proud of his USMC graduation and the completion of the Field Telephone Course at Camp Pendleton, CA. While in Korea he served as a Field Wireman on the front lines. Mick was honorably discharged in 1953, at the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Mick’s journey not only taught him the importance of good communication networks, but it also led to the most important meeting of his life, the day he met Pia Lucy Ruschetti, in Virginia Beach, Virginia on leave from the Marine Corps. Mick and Pia wrote to each other devotedly during the remainder of his service with the Marines, and after his discharge, they married on May 17, 1954, in Great Barrington, MA, Pia’s hometown. They settled in Scott City, Kansas, and embarked on a beautiful life, filled with love and family, and many, many, MANY work-related relocations over the years.

Like so many of his generation, Mick built a career from the ground up, forming a legacy of over forty-seven years in the agriculture seed industry. That career fulfilled him professionally, as well as personally, as it provided a stable foundation for his family. While he followed a rigorous work ethic, Mick always made time for his wife and his children, placing family first in all matters. Mick and Pia worked side by side together and built a stable, hard-working, joyful, loving family. They were married 43 years, until her passing on April 30, 1997.

Later in life Mick met Jerry “Jeri” Sue Legler, on a blind date arranged by his brother and sister-in-law in Phoenix, AZ on New Year’s Eve 2000. By August of 2000, Mick had moved to Arizona, where he began the final chapter of his life with Jeri Sue. He took a part-time job restocking sports trading cards in Quik Trip convenience stores and soon knew his way around the Phoenix area. He and Jeri enjoyed a very active social life, playing cards, Mexican Train, and Farkle with many dear friends. Mick found joy and love in his role as “Grandpa Mick” to Jeri’s granddaughters, and Jeri Sue’s son who loved “Nick,” as he always called him. They spent many hours decorating Shawn’s trees for the current holiday.

Mick found community through his membership and participation in the local Korean War Veterans Association chapter in Chandler, Arizona. As a very active member and a Past Commander, he organized and ran numerous fund-raising drives, including weekend “swap meets” as they were called, to provide services to Korean War Vets and their families as the need arose. He thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie and laughter that came from sharing “war stories” with his Korean War Veteran brothers, even those stories they had long kept private.

Those left to carry on his strength, wisdom, and invincible spirit are his two sons, Jeff Tucker of Lubbock, TX, and David Tucker of Memphis, TN; his two daughters, Linda Tucker and wife Georgette Pond of Amarillo, TX, and Suzanne Griffin and husband Larry of Seymour, TX; his life partner of 26 years Jeri Sue Legler and Jeri’s son Shawn Legler, both of Chandler, AZ; Jeri’s daughter Kenna King and husband Mark of Yates Center, KS; two brothers: Dean Tucker of Chandler, AZ, and Richard Tucker and wife Rachel of West Baden Springs, ID; five grandchildren: Tim Tucker and wife Katie, Margie Crawford and husband William; Latha Tucker-mother of Tim and Margie; Christopher Griffin and wife Crystal, Larry Griffin II and wife Shelly, LaTisha Griffin, and two special grandchildren: MacKenzie King and Madison King; six great-grandchildren: Tucker James Griffin, Pia Aurora Griffin, Larry Dean Griffin III, Quinton Griffin, Neelie Ham, and Charles Roberts; two great-great grandchildren: Berklie Ham and Branson Roberts; numerous nieces and nephews all over the country, and his special extended family: Suetta Carder and Lexie Cox, and Philip and Nathan Etter.

Mick is preceded in death by his wife, Pia Lucy Tucker, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence and Susan Tucker, all of whom he is joyfully reunited with in Heaven.

As Mick would always say when closing any family conversation: “Love you , Love you, Love you.“

Donations can be sent to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org or 

Mercy Hospice Care Home, 6651 South Four Peak Place, Chandler, AZ 85249.