James Sydney Tucker, 72, of 405 Helmintoller Road, Covington, Virginia, died Sunday, July 16, 2017 at his residence.

Mr. Tucker was born May 3, 1945, in Botetourt County, a son of the late Carl and Catherine Shifflett Tucker.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Tucker.

He was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps, serving in the Vietnam War.

He retired from MeadWestvaco as a CLO2 plant operator in 2009 after 44 years with the company.

He was a member of Lone Star Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Janet Tucker of Covington; his son, James Carl Tucker, and his fiance, Dreama Conner of Salem; two daughters, Linda Woodson and Cynthia Wiseman, both of Covington; his sister, Sharon McCaleb of Covington; five grandchildren, Amanda Woodson-Dixon and her husband, Steven, Michele Humphries, Codie Woodson, Seth Woodson and his wife, Kristen, and Justin Tucker; five great grandchildren, Rebecca Woodson, Cassidy Woodson, Jennifer Woodson, Gabriel Dixon and Aubrey Dixon; and his sister, Sharon McCaleb of Covington.

The funeral service will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. Donald Earwood officiating.

Interment will be made in the Helmintoller Family Cemetery with graveside rites conducted by the U. S. Marine Corps.

The family will receive their friends Wednesday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Arritt Funeral Home. The family suggests that donations in Mr. Tucker's name be made to the Lone Star Baptist Church Building Fund.