James Donald Tucker

James Donald Tucker, 85, passed away peacefully at home on July 17, 2025. Born in Gorman, Texas, and raised in Baird and later Artesia, New Mexico, James graduated from Artesia High School in 1957 before serving in the U.S. Navy as a Boilerhouse Foreman.

After his honorable discharge, he returned home and married the love of his life, Leah Steele. They had just celebrated 64 years of marriage and together raised four children: Rafford Tucker, Jamie Zetterberg (Richard), William ‘Bill’ Tucker, and Priscilla Thrash (Kevin). He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Taryn Henning (Tyler), Jesse Tucker, Dustin Tucker, Tucker Zetterberg (Ana), Raeff Thrash (Cassidy), Zane Thrash, Sidney Tucker, and Kelsey Tucker, and three great-grandchildren.

In his 20s, James owned and operated a full-service gas station in Artesia during the golden age of customer service, when attendants still washed your windshield and checked your oil. He later transitioned to the oilfields of New Mexico before settling into a long-term role at Navajo Refinery. In 1968, a transfer to the Sequoyah/Conoco Refinery brought his family to Ponca City, Oklahoma, where he worked for more than 30 years as a highly skilled and respected pipefitter. Known for his dedication, reliability, and strong work ethic, James played a vital role in refinery operations and earned the respect and friendship of many colleagues, including his best friend Richard Smith.

A true cowboy at heart, James loved hunting deer and elk in the mountains of northern New Mexico, fishing, and retelling stories over coffee. Though he never owned land, he embraced the cowboy lifestyle, often seen in boots and a hat, watching rodeos on TV and listening to classic western music. He was especially fond of Johnny Cash.

James was known for his quick wit, ornery sense of humor, generous heart, and deep faith in God. He never hesitated to help others and never complained, living life with gratitude, grit, and faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Priscilla Tucker; his brother, William “Tommy” Tucker; sister-in-law Sharon Tucker; and numerous beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his wife, Leah Steele Tucker, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. One of his favorite sayings about his family was: “Two Texans got married, had three Mexicans and one Okie.”

A funeral service will be held Friday, July 25, at 2 p.m. at Hartford and Joe Church of Christ in Ponca City, Oklahoma. James will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.