Jimmy Wayne (Jim) Tucker, 73

Jimmy (Jim) Wayne Tucker raced full throttle this summer through a short and courageous battle with cancer. He was 73. 

Jim, son of the late Wayne and Nancy (Ashburn) Tucker was born May 27, 1953, in Lubbock, Texas. When Jim was 2, the family left Texas for a new adventure: farming in Idaho.

Jim and his family moved from the Texas Panhandle to Boundary County in 1955 and settled on the Westside Road to farm in District 7. He attended South Side School. During his time at Bonners Ferry High School, he ran track and played basketball for a couple years before turning to professional snowmobile racing his senior year. He graduated from BFHS in 1971. Jim attended the University of Idaho majoring in agriculture business. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. 

In 1973, he started farming with his father and married Margaret Kirk.

In 1982, Jim married Janis (Fagenstrom) Tucker. Together they shared a deep passion for life: they were avid fans of Badger sports, big dogs and blooming gardens. They were dedicated fitness partners and devoted themselves to their churches.

In 1999, Jim went to work for the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. It was a “full circle” moment to manage the same farm ground that his parents owned when they first moved to the area. He proved it by showing his toddler handprint in the cement floor of the shop that is now the education center. He retired in 2019, after 20 years of service.

Owning and operating Greenscape fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning his own business and fed his passion for landscaping and yard maintenance. Thank you to all his clients for their support over the years. He truly loved it.

Jim was exposed to snowmobiling at an early age and he quickly took to it. It was his favorite outlet for thrilling adventures, and the best way for him to enjoy the great outdoors. Jim thoroughly enjoyed competing in the sport when he was a young man. Jim experienced his “second wind” with the sport as an older adult and really appreciated the new machines with all the power and speed. Jim relished getting the guys together of various ages to head to the mountains. 

If you didn’t know Jim for farming, landscaping, snowmobiling or hiking you might know him for Christmas lights, robot mower, fair board, dahlias, salsa, caramels, jet skis, dogs or running. It seems fitting that he was awarded a blue ribbon this year for his gladiola entry.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Janis (Fagenstrom) Tucker; their child, Austin Tucker; his two children from his first marriage, Jodi (Chad) Booth of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; James (Sarah) Tucker of Surprise, Ariz.; and his six grandchildren, Katie, Tucker and Kerrie Booth, Lilly, Jackson and Henry Tucker; and his two dogs, Jetta and Birch. He is also survived by his siblings, Dan (Angela) Tucker, Kathy (Richard) Zech, Sally (Larry) Hendricks-Bauer; as well as many other in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly and gathered with often.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Nancy; his in-laws, Richard and Joy Fagenstrom; his brother-in-law, Kerry Hendricks; and his infant son, William.

Jim would encourage us all to seek and follow Jesus. Jim’s deep, personal faith in Jesus was evident in his life. He was spiritually strong and courageous, firmly anchored to his Savior until his final breath. Rest high on the mountain, Tucker!

A funeral service to celebrate Jim Tucker will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Bonners Ferry. A luncheon and open mic will follow at a separate location to be determined. Please think of stories to share, for the family has been comforted hearing how many lives he has touched. 

Next time you see green grass, watch fluffy snow, eat spicy salsa or walk down the chip aisle, think of Jim Tucker and smile.