Caldwells Obitutary: James Tucker

West Caldwell resident James Tucker passed away on Oct. 29.

He was 78-years-old.

The following obituary comes courtesy of Codey & Jones Funeral Home:

“James (Jim) William Tucker, 78, of West Caldwell, N.J., went home to his Lord and Savior on October 29, 2015, surrounded by his loving family.

“Jim was born in Hornell, N.Y. to Roderick and Marion Tucker on September 11, 1937.

“He attended Ithaca College in New York, on a soccer scholarship, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy. Mr. Tucker began his physical therapy career at Kessler Institute in West Orange, becoming the first Director of Physical Therapy at that facility. There, he met his future wife, Patricia Dankowski.

“Jim was loved by all who knew him. He was a proud Eagle Scout, something he loved sharing with his grandsons. He was generous with his time to others, from weeding yards, to making repairs at his beloved West Caldwell Presbyterian Church with the Tuesday morning crew. He could often be found at Home Depot trying out the next new tool to purchase; at the Train Diner for breakfast and Frank’s Trattoria for lunch or dinner. Jim will forever be known for his love of airplanes, trains, golf, Chinese food and watching old movies. He loved his family and he loved his friends.

“Mr. Tucker was honored by the American Physical Therapy Association of New Jersey by having an award named after him…The James Tucker Excellence in Clinical Practice Award. The purpose of this award is to give public recognition to members of the APTANJ who, as outstanding clinicians and clinical teachers, have made significant contributions to the practice of Physical Therapy.

“Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Marion Louise (Burt) Tucker and Roderick Curtis Tucker, and former wife and best friend, Patricia (Dankowski) Tucker.

“He is survived by his three daughters, MaryBeth Lentine and her husband Anthony of West Caldwell; Sue Ellen Purcell and her husband John of Cocoa Beach, FL ; Barbara Romaine and her husband Matthew of West Caldwell; brother, Philip Tucker and his wife Billie of New Rochelle, NY; sister, Shirley Benge of New Rochelle, NY; nine grandchildren, Nicole (Lentine) Carangelo and her husband Vincent, Lauren (Lentine) Petersen and her husband Ryan, Joseph Lentine, Stephanie Lentine, James Purcell; Thomas Nancoz, Kara Nancoz, Patrick Nancoz, Tyler Romaine; one great-granddaughter, Aubree Purcell, and a multitude of extended family and friends.”