Obituary of James Tucker

Schenectady - James Tucker, son of the late John Tucker and Louise Jordan. He was born on July 3, 1932 in Spartanburg, SC. On April 14, 2012, after a long illness, James answered the call of his Master while at home surrounded by his loving family. In the late 1940s James and his family relocated to Troy, NY and he was educated in the Troy School system. He served his country as a private in the United States Air Force. In 1952, James fell in love with Geraldine Toland. He would often walk from Troy to Schenectady to be with his Sweet Heart, and after an honorable and loving courtship, on April 4, 1954, James married his soul mate, his best friend and the love of his life, his Sweet Gerry, and they were blessed to have raised nine beautiful children. James retired from the City of Schenectady Sanitation Department after 30 years of dedicated service. To assure ample provisions for his family, he was also employed for many years by O.D. Heck Rehabilitation Center, Glendale Nursing Facility and the Schenectady County Meals on Wheels. James was an active and supporting member of the Duryee Memorial AME Zion Church, for many years and he loved singing in the Male Chorus. He will be remembered for his unique rendition of that great hymn of the church, Peace In The Valley. He was a former commissioner for Belmont Pop Warner franchise of Schenectady, an organizer and charter member of the Schenectady YMCA Buddy Kid's Club. Following his graduation from the Umpire Academy, he became a member of the Umpire's Association of Schenectady, NY. Some would say he was one of the best 'umps' in this area. And, he was a much respected and accomplished basketball and football referee and a well known coach in the Capital District area. He was a loyal Giants fan. He was a great family man who enjoyed annual summer camping trips with his family. During his illness, he was lovingly cared for by his daughters and special caregiver, his grandson, Andre. To God Be The Glory. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Geraldine Toland Tucker, who passed away in 2010. He leaves to cherish his memory, six daughters and one son, Karen Brown, Jennifer Perry, Kathy (Michael) Pickett, Linda (Thomas) Davis, Deborah and Larissa Tucker and Cecil Toland; 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; seven sisters, Jo Ella (Bobby) Tucker, Jean (Jimmy) Smith, Barbara Chapman, Juanita (Will) Edwards, Lorraine (Carlton) Tatum, Sherlyn and Denise Chapman; seven brothers, John and Clarence (Margaret) Tucker, Ralph Nunally, Willie (Monique) Chapman, Paul, Edward and Sydney Chapman; one aunt, Irene Pennick; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his children, Richard and Patricia Tucker; his son-in-law, David; his siblings, Sarah Whitner, Dorothy Wesley, Daisy Davidson, Sylvia Thomas, Isaac, Ronnie, and Harold Tucker, Irene Bowles, David, Howard, and Byron Chapman. Funeral service, Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at Daly Funeral Home, Inc., 242 McClellan St., Schenectady. Calling hours, Friday evening, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Park View Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions may be sent to Schenectady-Belmont Pop Warner, 215 Victory Ave., Schenectady, NY 12307