James Leo Tucker

James Tucker ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors on Mar. 17, 2026.James Leo Tucker, 89, of Roscommon, died on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.James (Jim) was born June 17, 1936, in Saranac, Michigan the son of Leo and Hazel (Trumpower) Tucker. He graduated from Belding High School and later earned his bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University and his master's degree from Michigan State University.Jim married Pamela on October 2, 1971, in Belding, Michigan. Together they enjoyed golf, camping, fishing, hiking, and traveling the world. Jim loved woodworking and was especially proud of the cedar-strip canoes and kayaks he built. He also enjoyed kayaking, snowmobiling, and ATV riding. In his spare time, he groomed and graded trails for the Rosco-Higgins Trail Cruisers. Jim loved volunteering and staying active in the community. He was an active member of the Christmas in the Village committee from its inception. Most of all, he loved spending time with family and friends.Jim taught school for 35 years, beginning in a one-room schoolhouse before later teaching third grade. Even in retirement, he continued to serve students by driving a school bus for field trips. Jim was a hardworking man who sometimes held three jobs at once. Over the years he installed carpet, flooring, and tile; mowed roadsides for the county; and worked at a local party store. When he wasn't working, he could usually be found in his garage building something with his exceptional carpentry skills or tending his vegetable garden. Jim was also an excellent cook and always made sure no one left his home hungry.Jim will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, Pam, of 54 years; his daughter, Debra Shearer of Stanton, Michigan; grandchildren, Jennifer (Bob) Lear of Lyons, Michigan, Erin Hyde of Greenville, Michigan, and Angela (Erik) Vanderlip of Gowen, Michigan; and great grandchildren, Makayla, Michael, Katlyn, Gryphon, Mackenzie, Christopher, and Curtis.He is also survived by his brother, Thomas Tucker (Svetlana) of Hayden, Idaho; sisters-in-law Vicki Geister of Belding, Michigan, and Inabeth (Joe) Male of Millington, Michigan; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Hazel Tucker; his sister, Leora (Allen) Slosser; and his daughter, Brenda JohnsonFamily and friends will gather on Saturday March 21st, at 11:00am for an hour of gathering followed by Military Honors, at Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, 143 Lake Street, Roscommon, Michigan 48653.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Jim's memory to Roscommon Christmas in the Village, Rosco-Higgins Trail Cruisers, Roscommon County Commission on Aging Meals on Wheels, or a charity of your choice.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.