James W. "JT" Tucker

KEWANEE - James William Tucker “JT” passed away in his sleep at 5:45 a.m., Monday, August 8, 2022 at UnityPoint Health - Proctor in Peoria after a hard-fought battle with esophageal cancer. 

JT, a Kewanee native, was born on August 10, 1957 to James and Donna (Sherbeyn) Tucker. He was the eldest of six children and a 1975 graduate of Kewanee High School. For most of his life, he worked as a local carpenter.

He was a kind man that enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: family, friends, a cold Budweiser, cigarettes, fishing, the Chicago Bears, and occasional duet with the Doobie Brothers.  He was blessed with an easy laid-back demeanor, quick-wit, and great sense of humor. 

He is survived by his daughter and in his words “the best thing I ever did” Jessica Tucker, his siblings; Tere Ross (Keith), Diane Tucker-Mikenas, Rae Ann Tucker-Marshall, Eric Tucker (Tami Pettis), and Paul Tucker (Cheryl).  His nieces and nephews; Ashley, Caleb & Allie Mikenas (James Bradbury), Sean Greene, Josh Denzer (Melissa), Evan (Caitlyn) & Haleigh Tucker, Ransom & Cullen Marshall, Lilah Tucker, and London Pettis, his great-nieces, Layna & Violet Greene, and great-nephew Auden Tucker.

A public visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Thursday, August 11 at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee where no family will be in attendance. Private family services will be held. Memorials may be directed to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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