James Robert Tucker

James Robert Tucker (Sport) fulfilled his journey on this side of eternity in the early morning hours of March 22, 2025.

James was born on August 10, 1945, to Cleveland and Mildred (nee Oliver) Tucker in Goshen, AL. James was the fifth child of eleven.

James graduated from Goshen High School in 1963, in a proud class of 7 students. He enjoyed playing basketball while he attended high school. During his time, he united with Macedonia CME church in Goshen, AL. He became a member of Second Baptist Church in Elyria, in 2023.

Shortly after graduating from high school, James moved to Elyria, OH in 1963. After moving to Elyria, James worked at a number of different jobs before accepting employment with Ford Motor Company, Lorain Assembly Plant in 1965. After 32 years of dedicated service, James retired from Ford in 1997. 

James enjoyed a number of sports during his younger years in Elyria- softball with the 425 Hawks and bowling. In later years he excelled in cornhole (just ask his nephews!)

During retirement, James discovered that he had a special talent for babysitting. He became very attached to his nephew Torrey Hill and his grandson, Elijah Shepherd, as he lovingly nurtured them. His niece, Techemia McLeod, was dear to his heart as he welcomed her into his home for a number of years. Although James was a quiet man and did not boast, his generous spirit toward his family was felt by his family as he shared God's blessings to him with them.

To James' first marriage, two loving sons were born- Anthony Quinn Tucker and Mark Evans Tucker.

James was married to Joanne Tucker (nee Shepherd) for 45 years. During this marriage, they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Betty Turner.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Cleveland Sr. and Mildred Tucker; grandchildren, Joey Tucker and Darrell Bunner, Jr: brothers, Cleveland Tucker Jr., Charles Tucker, Larry (Lay) Tucker, and Kelvin Tucker; sisters, Dorothy Tucker McLeod and Sybil Tucker Nelson; niece, Techemia McLeod; nephews, LaRon Tucker, Ernest McLeod, and Daryl McLeod. 

James is survived by his wife, Joanne; sons, Anthony (Melanie) Mark (Kristie), both of Elyria; daughter, Betty Turner Elyria, OH, grandsons, Anthony Tucker Jr., Mark James Tucker, Evan Tucker and Elijah Shepherd; granddaughters, Ashley Tucker, Chealsea Tucker, and Alexis Tucker; brothers Melvin (Velma) and Tim (Florence) Tucker, both of Troy AL; sisters, Marguerite Pearson of New Britain CT, and Nellie (LaMar) McLeod, Troy AL; and many great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

A visitation will be held Saturday March 29th at 9:30am with a Celebration of Life to begin at 10:30am at Second Baptist Church 427 Chapman Lane Elyria, OH.

Burial will be at Brookdale Cemetery 41600 Oberlin Elyria Rd Elyria, OH 44035.

Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to

Carter Funeral Homes Inc.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Robert Tucker, please visit our floral store.