James "Jimmy" Wayne Tucker, Jr.

Bennettsville, SC

James Wayne Tucker, Jr. died Saturday, October 19, 2024, at his home in Bennettsville. He was 84 years old.

Known alternately as “Jimmy,” “Mr. Jim,” or “Trouble,” Jim was born December 9, 1939, to the late James Wayne, Sr. and Elva “Slim” Bolton Turnage Tucker. He was a devoted son who cared for both of his parents throughout their lives.

Jim graduated from Bennettsville High School, Kings Business College, and Francis Marion University with a degree in psychology. He had a long and successful career working for the State of South Carolina Department of Social Services and retiring from Tri-County Mental Health.

He was a lifelong member of Thomas Memorial Baptist Church and also attended Salem Baptist Church. He led the youth group at Thomas Memorial Baptist Church for several years, helping to shape the lives and minds of many young people. He was devoted to his church family and friends.

Jim loved history. He was a charter member of the Marlborough Historical Society and remained active through the years, serving as treasurer at the time of his death. He was extremely knowledgeable about Bennettsville and Marlboro County history and enjoyed sharing that knowledge with others. He was a faithful volunteer at the Marlboro County Museum and never missed a “Morning at the Museum,” where he entertained the other participants with his memories of days gone by. He was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, acting as commander of Marlboro Camp #835. He also had a great interest in genealogy, did extensive research into his own family history, and participated in the Chesterfield, Stanley, and Wake County genealogy societies.

Jim lived a full life before and after his retirement. He was a former member of the Marlboro County Rescue Squad. He was an avid boater and water-skier in his younger days, serving as commander of the Swamp Fox Power Squadron boating club. His love of nature continued throughout his life, and he could often be found walking at Lake Paul Wallace with his beloved dog, Ben. Always an animal lover, he doted on his pets and gave them the best life they could possibly have. That love extended to other people’s pets as well. He never wanted to see an animal mistreated or neglected, and he showered every one he encountered with love and affection.

Jim was opinionated and bold. He liked to say, “I’ve always been an individualist and a non-conformist, and I don’t see any reason to change now.” He never did. He had a strong sense of right and wrong. He loved to talk. Although some might say he liked to argue, he had a very open mind and would often qualify his statements with, “You don’t have to agree with me, but…” He had a sly sense of humor and the ability to laugh at himself, always appreciating a good joke.

Most of all, Jim was devoted to God, to his country, his community, his precious Ben, his family, and friends who were like family. He was tender-hearted and thoughtful. He was fiercely loyal to everyone he cared about.

Surviving are Jim’s godsons, Keith Hughes (Amber) and Markael Hughes (BJ); cousins, Kitty Carabo (John), Wallace Tucker (Beverly), Vivian T. Hammond (Ed), David Gray (Jan), Debbie Gray Smith, Paul Gray, Cyndi Gordon, and an extended network of friends, including three young men in whose lives he felt honored to have had the opportunity to participate; Caleb Polston, Luke Hall, and Ryan Fleming.

A graveside service to honor Jim’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends after the service, at the graveside.

In lieu of flowers, Jim asked that donations be made to the Humane Society of Marlboro County, PO Box 135 Bennettsville, SC 29512.

Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bfhbennettsville.com.

Burroughs Funeral Home is honored to assist the family of Jim Tucker.

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