Jim A. Tucker

James Alonzo Tucker known to his family and friends as Jim, passed from this life on April 16, 2019, in Pawnee, Oklahoma at the age of 87 years old.

Jim was born on March 2, 1932, in rural Pawnee County, Oklahoma. He was the son of Aaron Alonzo and Rose Frances (Schlais) Tucker. Jim grew up in the Hallett area where he began his education. Jim continued and later graduated with the Class of 1950. During his time in high school, Jim was active in playing sports and was a star high school pitcher for Hallett. Following high school, Jim began working at the Ford garage in Pawnee, Oklahoma. During his time in Pawnee Jim met the love of his life, Mary Alice Eshelman. The two were united in marriage on October 7, 1957, in Pawnee, Oklahoma. The couple established their first home in Pawnee before moving to Cleveland. The Kesner’s purchased the Chevrolet dealership, and Jim was asked to move and run the parts counter and help with the bookkeeping. Jim did that for several years before gaining employment with Ball Oil. Jim worked with Ball Oil until 1985 when he retired. Even though Jim retired, he continued working and started what he really enjoyed doing ranching, gardening and working outside.

Jim raised cattle and grew a huge garden yearly. He was known for his corn and vegetables throughout the county. He always would state that the coons were trying to put him out of business. Jim also trapped and sold the fur until it was no longer profitable. He is described as one of the most knowledgeable persons about Pawnee County. Jim and Mary would travel quite often; they especially enjoyed going to Colorado. Jim enjoyed going to Maramec Senior Citizens and playing dominoes with his friends. Jim was devoted to his wife Mary and took care of her for several years during her illness. Jim and Mary were hard workers and instilled that trait into their children. He was an OU fan and enjoyed watching them play on television. Jim also worked during election time at the Hallett voting site. He was a member of the Western Heights Baptist Church for many years and enjoyed the times he attended.

Survivors are his children Cathleen Crown and her husband Rusty of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Gary Tucker and his wife Dee Dee of Jennings, Oklahoma, James Tucker and his wife Julie of Pooleville, Oklahoma, Gene Tucker and his wife Lacy of Blackburn, Oklahoma, five grandchildren Jordan, Jessica, Jameson, Scott, Kylie and a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife Mary Alice Tucker.


Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm, Monday, April 22, 2019, at the Western Heights Baptist Church with Rev. David Head officiating. Burial will follow at the Highland Cemetery in Pawnee, Oklahoma. Chapman-Black Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Friends and family may visit an online guest book and memorial page for Jim at www.chapman-black.com.