James B. Tucker, Jr., 94, of Jordan, formerly of Phoenix, passed away early Wednesday morning, January 20, 2021. He was born in Syracuse on January 19, 1927, to James and Edith (Bettinger) Tucker. James proudly served in the United States Navy for more than 22 years, and was a veteran of three wars (World War II, Korea, and Vietnam), retiring honorably in 1966 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. He loved to share stories of his adventures, and to visit the ships he had served on when they came to port. He was very active in the Phoenix VFW Post 5540, where he was the oldest living member, and the Phoenix American Legion Post 418. James served as a bartender for the local hot spots in his day. When he wasn’t fishing or traveling the country, he could be found taking care of his lawn; but his favorite thing in the world was spending time with his granddaughters, whom he cherished. James is predeceased by his parents and two of his brothers, Marshall Tucker and Burdette Tucker.
He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Joan (Merriett); daughter Amanda (Adam) Vallee; granddaughters Abigail and Adalyn; siblings Wendell (Patricia) Tucker, Barbara Grow, Sandra (William) Myers, and Lucine Farling; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Calling hours will be held from 3 PM – 7 PM on Monday, January 25, 2021, at Allanson-Glanville-Tappan Funeral Home, 431 Main St., Phoenix, NY 13135. A private service will be held at the Syracuse Veterans Memorial Cemetery, where he will be interred.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Syracuse VA Medical Center, 800 Irving Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210.