Dr. James M. Tucker

Dr. James Milton Tucker, 69, of Danville, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2009 at home. Jim was born on October 21, 1939 in Pontiac, Illinois, to Kenneth and Myrtle Tucker. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Lou (Irish) Tucker. They were married on August 13, 2005. He has three children and two grandchildren. Steve Tucker and his wife, Donna, reside in Western Springs, Illinois, Doug Tucker and his wife, Karen, reside in Northborough, Massachusetts along with their two children, Kevin and Megan. Debra Tucker resides in Chicago. Jim has two stepchildren- Carrie Lynn Donaldson and her husband, Dan, reside in Greenfield, Indiana, Gregory Evans Irish resides in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jim is also survived by three sisters- Doris Burnside of Pontiac, Illinois, Joyce Favet of Ely, Minnesota and Sharon Rapp of Bloomington, Illinois. He married Marilyn Jeannine (Zeiter) Tucker on December 26, 1960. She preceded him in death on July 24, 2004. Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1962 and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois in 1964. He practiced in Dwight, Illinois before moving to Danville in 1966 to found the East Lake Veterinary Hospital for Animals. He retired at age 50. He was active in the University of Illinois Farm Extension Office, Boy Scouts, AARP Tax Assistance and was a Master Gardener. Jim was also a member of the Danville Area Community College Board of Trustees, past president of Rotary Club and a former Deacon at First Presbyterian Church in Danville. Jim enjoyed the outdoors, the Danville Symphony Orchestra, farming and traveling. He visited all 50 states and nearly 80 countries on six continents. He also enjoyed spending time with his extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Danville Area Community College or Danville Symphony Orchestra. A Celebration of the Life of Dr. James M. Tucker will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at Second Church of Christ in Danville, with Drew Mentzer officiating. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.