James Burns Tucker, 82, died on December 28, 2021 following a lengthy battle with illness. James was born in Georgia on September 25, 1939. He was raised in Jackson, Mississippi and graduated from Provine High School in 1957.
He earned a B.A. in English from Millsaps College and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Law.
His professional accomplishments were many and included 30 years of service in the U.S. Attorney’s office, Southern District of Mississippi (Chief of the Criminal Division and Interim U.S. Attorney) and 20 years of practicing law with Butler, Snow in Ridgeland, MS. He also served 30 years in the Naval Reserve in the Judge Advocate General’s office and retired with the rank of Captain. He also taught Trial Practice at the Mississippi College School of Law for 25 years with his friend and colleague Judge Kent McDaniel.
Among the many professional honors bestowed on Mr. Tucker are America’s Top 100 Attorney’s Lifetime Achievement Award and his 2016 induction into the Ole Miss Law Alumni Hall of Fame; membership in the American College of Trial Lawyers; and membership in The American Board of Trial Advocates.
Mr. Tucker was preceded in death by his mother, Katherine Strange, his father, Lewis Simpson and his son Danny Rainey.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Jeanne; their daughter Lisa Rainey Fletcher (Fred); their son Charles Edward Rainey, Sr. (Meredith); his brother Davey L. Tucker (Sandra); 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; 2 nieces and numerous other family members and loyal friends.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 2, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church of Jackson, Mississippi with visitation preceding the service from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the Great Hall. Graveside service will follow at Parkway Memorial on Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland, Mississippi. The family requests that all visitors wear masks and practice social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in James’ name.
Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland is in charge of arrangements.
PALLBEARERS
Kelly Rainey
Jamie Rainey
Chuck Rainey Jr.
Billy Rainey
Joe Durniak
Fred Fletcher
Conway Dabney
Clive Runnels III
Clive Runnels IV
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