John Tucker passed away peacefully on Monday January 14, 2008, with his daughters present, at Calder Woods, where he had lived for four years. As a young lawyer just out of law school, he came to Beaumont in 1930. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1907, and he enjoyed celebrating his 100th birthday on October 20. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Gene Chastain Tucker, and a brother, Gordon Tucker. His parents were Major Bates Tucker and Blanche Himes Tucker.
John Tucker is survived by a large and devoted family, who affectionately called him “PJ” (Papa John). His daughters are Ann and husband Clint Iles, Nancy and husband Duke Kacvinski, Helen and husband Howard Bailes. John had eight grandchildren: Delma Iles; Clinton and wife Terrilyn Iles; Julianna and husband Scott Gahn, and their children Rob, Elizabeth, and John; Kimberly and husband George Story, and their daughters Kristen and Nicole; Tamara and husband Eddie Griffin, and her son Gabriel Cukale; Alma and husband Amer Ghalayini, and their sons Zackary, Sami, and Ryan; Wendy Bibb and her sons Tucker and Major; and a step-granddaughter, Lynda Kacvinski-Cukale. In addition, John Tucker is also survived by five nephews and two nieces: Benno Schmidt, Ralph Schmidt, John Schmidt, Bill Schmidt, Sealy Hutchings, Trudy Hutchings, and Sally Pendergras.
Much beloved by family and friends, John Tucker was a true family man. He was loved and respected, an inspiration and a role model in the way he lived his life – fully, happily, and with integrity. He always found the fun in every situation. He was known for his wit and had a great sense of humor. An accomplished story teller, John entertained family and friends with stories of his life, hunting and fishing trips, and law cases. Under the auspices of Orgain, Bell, and Tucker, he dictated an entire book of stories, making humorous incidents of his legal experiences. His family and the law firm treasure their copies.
Though most well known as a prominent attorney, Tucker enjoyed his life outside his law practice. He was an avid sportsman, excelling at hunting and fishing, keeping the family freezer stocked with duck, quail, doves, and fish. He was an excellent card player, enjoying a Saturday game of Gin Rummy with close friends for many years. He loved gardening and spent time in his garden almost every afternoon after work. He grew roses for his wife, Mama Gene, and vegetables and herbs for his family and to give away to friends. He was a very good cook and especially liked to grill meats. He was a communicant of St. Marks’s Episcopal Church.
John Tucker is best known to the community as an outstanding attorney. He graduated from Harvard Law School and moved to Beaumont in 1930. In 1933 he joined the law firm founded by Will Orgain in 1907, which eventually became Orgain, Bell, and Tucker. He practiced law with great success for over 60 years, always wearing his signature bow tie. He excelled as a trial lawyer, trying his cases with wit, congeniality, and a full knowledge of the law. He argued cases before the Texas Supreme Court on several occasions. Two bronze plaques hang on the wall at the offices of Orgain, Bell, and Tucker, entitled “The Law According to John Tucker;” the plaques enumerate his many precedent setting cases.
Recently honored by the Beaumont Foundation of America as a “Southeast Texas Legend,” a $100,000 endowed scholarship was established in his name. Tucker was the recipient of many other awards, including the Jefferson County Bar Association Blackstone Award in 1987. John Tucker was a member of the Jefferson County Bar Association; American Bar Association; State Bar of Texas and member of its Board of Directors, 1962-64; International Association of Insurance Counsel; Federation of Insurance Counsel; Texas Association of Defense Counsel; Fellow, International Academy of Trial Lawyers; American College of Trial Lawyers; American Bar Foundation; and Dun Workin Club.
John Tucker’s life will be celebrated with a Holy Eucharist at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 19, 2008 followed by ennichement at St. Mark’s Columbarium under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. The family will receive friends in the church parlor after the service. Honorary pallbearers are Howard Bailes, Alvin Brown, Gabriel Cauble, Clint Iles, Clinton Iles, Duke Kacvinski, Buddy Low, and Bonner Storey.
In addition to John’s family and friends, the Calder Woods staff and the staff of Southern Care Hospice, and his friend and companion, Alvin Brown, helped him through his last months and days. The family is grateful for their loving care and attention.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Southern Care Hospice (3965 Phelan Blvd, Beaumont, TX 77707), St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (680 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, TX 77701), or the Beaumont Foundation of America (470 Orleans, Beaumont, TX 77701).
