J.M. Tucker

J.M. (James Millard) Tucker, 58, of Rocky Ford, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026, after a courageous 17-month battle with cancer.

J.M. was born on June 13, 1967, in La Junta, Colorado, and was raised in Fowler by his beloved grandmother, Mildred Dillingham, who played a central role in shaping the man he became. He graduated from Fowler High School in 1986 and began his working life with local farmer J.D. Wright before answering the call to serve his country.

In June of 1991, J.M. enlisted in the United States Navy and attended boot camp in San Diego, California. His service took him to Puerto Rico, where he formed lifelong friendships. He was honorably discharged in April 1995, carrying with him a deep sense of pride in his service and his Navy family.

While serving in the Navy, J.M. began dating the love of his life, Brenda Schollmeyer. The two were married on August 12, 1995, and in 2025 celebrated 30 years of marriage. Together they raised three children, son Bailey and daughters Autumn and Kaylee, who were the center of J.M.’s world. He was an incredibly proud father, especially when each of his children graduated from high school. Those moments often brought him to tears, much to the playful teasing of his kids, who cherished his big heart.

After returning home from the Navy, J.M. purchased his first piece of equipment, a mini excavator, and built what would become a more than 30-year career as the owner of J.M. Tucker Excavating. His work ethic, skill, and willingness to help anyone in need made him a trusted name throughout the area. He later purchased his first CAT backhoe, affectionately named “Miss Kitty,” and eventually upgraded to “Miss Kitty II, The Sequel.” J.M. worked for rural water companies, feedlots, farmers, and countless individuals, tackling jobs from water leaks and pipelines to septic systems, always ready to dig whatever was needed. He also faithfully plowed snow for local Rocky Ford businesses and frequently assisted the Rocky Ford Fire Department during structure fires, using Miss Kitty’s thumb to help crews access hard-to-reach areas.

Beyond his work, J.M. loved camping in the mountains, riding in a hot air balloon, operating his backhoe with his loyal dog Boots by his side, visiting with friends, and most of all, spending time with his wife and children.

J.M. is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Tucker; son, Bailey Tucker; daughters, Autumn (Nicholas Martinez) Tucker, and Kaylee (Tyler Fehrenbach) Tucker; uncle, Keith “Bud” Tucker; mother-in-law, Cheryl Schollmeyer; sister-in-law, Tina (Jessie) Mascarenas; sister, Colleen (Robert) Kesterke & family of Fort Lupton, Colorado; Navy family, Thomas “Heffie” Scott & wife Kathy & their family, of Annona, Texas; aunt, Ada Scott of Sallisaw, Oklahoma; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many friends, both near and far, who were family in every sense of the word also survive. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mildred Dillingham; his infant daughter, Mollie Tucker; and father-in-law, Chuck Schollmeyer.

J.M. will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, generous spirit, devotion to his family, and the many lives he touched through his service, friendship, and willingness to help whenever help was needed.

In the final words of J.M., said with a full heart - “Love you, man!”

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Rocky Ford with Mark Grasmick officiating. Military Honors will be rendered by Rocky Ford American Legion Post #8 at the conclusion of the service. Reception following the service will be held at the Rocky Ford Elks Lodge, where family and friends are invited to gather and share memories of J.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to Arkansas Valley Hospice or in support of the Tucker family.