James Jerry (Jerry or JJ) Tucker, 75, passed away March 17, 2013 at his home in Abilene, Texas, surrounded by family. Jerry was born the only child of Roy and Bessie Blankenship Tucker in Benjamin, Texas, on August 25, 1937. He attended school in Seymour and was a member of the Class of 1955 of Seymour High School. Shortly after high school he met his future wife, Barbara Thurman. Jerry spent his early work life in the oil fields near Holliday, Texas, before deciding to go into the restaurant business. He and Barbara owned and operated several restaurants including the famous Dixie Dog in Seymour and the Knox City Cafe in Knox City. After a few years serving food, he decided to join the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and graduated recruit school in 1963. His 1st assignment was as a Texas Highway Patrol Troooper in Breckenridge, Texas. Jerry, Barbara and their three children moved around during his career with the DPS. From Breckenridge to Brownwood to Albany to Abilene to Fort Worth and to Wichita Falls where he retired after 30 years as a Lieutenant. His fellow workers at the DPS knew him as "JJ" or Lieutenant Tucker. After retiring from the DPS, he became an independent contractor for them, inspecting State Vehicle Inspection locations all over North Texas. During his life, he and Barbara bought several of the family farms near Seymour and rent houses in Abilene. He spent the time farming and being a landlord. Being on his tractor and mower were some of his happy times. Being an avid reader, he spent much of the evening hours reading about music and music history. He was self-taught on the guitar and enjoyed playing. He spent the last few years in Abilene to be closer to his children.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara Thurman Tucker of Abilene, Texas; son Jerry Lance Tucker of Abilene; son Roy Dewayne Tucker and wife Louise of Abilene; daughter, Alesia Lutke and husband, Jeff of Weatherford, Texas; four grandchildren, Aimee Howard and husband Josh of Lindale, Texas, Kristen McGuire and husband, Trevor of Abilene; Jordan Lutke of Denton and Kathryn Lutke of Weatherford.

Donations may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care of Abilene, Texas, or the Humane Society of Wichita County in Wichita Falls, or your favorite charity.