James E. Tucker

MIDDLETOWN, RI - James Edward Tucker, 71 of Renfrew Avenue, Middletown, RI, formerly of Seascape Avenue, Middletown, RI, died on Saturday, December 4, 2010 in the John Clarke Nursing Center, Middletown.. He was the husband of Joan E. Rowe Tucker of Middletown, and the late Ruth Johnson Tucker. Born in Everette, WA, on August 2, 1939, he was the son of the late Edward James and Vera Kallaman Tucker. James served in the United States Navy for 20 years, he served during the Korean Conflict, Vietnam War and the Cuban Missile Crisis, while in the Navy he worked as a machinist retiring in 1975 He was a graduate of Johnson and Wales College Class of 1978. Jim then went on the become a shellfisherman for the next 10 years and for 15 years he worked as a machinist for the Little Harbor Marina in Portsmouth. He was a life time member of the AM Vets, and a communicant of St. Lucys Church. James enjoyed carpentry and was an avid fisherman. Besides his wife he is survived by his children Charles Welch of Bristol, RI, Richard Welch, Kevin Welch, Eugene Welch, Douglas Tucker and Marion Welch all of Middletown. He also leaves his step children Mary Potts, Donna Leathem, Robin Holbrook, James Evans. James is also survived by his brothers Greg Peterson and Merill Tucker both of Washington State, thirty grandchildren and twenty nine great grandchildren. He was the father of the late Steven Welch, Christopher Tucker and Lawrence Welch. He was also the step father of the late Harley EvansHis funeral will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 8:00am, from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Mass of Christian burial at 9:00am, in St. Lucys Church, 909 West Main Road, Middletown. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown.Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, from 4-8 pm in the Memorial Funeral HomeDonations in his memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 222 Richmond Street, Suite 204, Providence, RI 02906