James Marcus Tucker

With heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of Lt. James Marcus Tucker, a beloved 13-year veteran of the Fernandina Beach Fire Department. Lt. Tucker passed away on the evening of May 24, 2024, after a medical emergency while off-duty and at home with his wife and children. He leaves behind his loving wife, Dr. Melissa Parsons-Tucker, and his three children: Jaelyn (21), Graham (18), and Parson (4) Tucker. James was born on February 23, 1982 to Marie and John Tucker (Lisa) of Jacksonville. His sister, Katie Englund, also resides in Jacksonville. His brother, John, serves in the US Navy and is based in Norfolk, Virginia. James was predeceased by his father, John, and two brothers, John Ernest Tucker Jr. and Joseph Edward Hanks.

Lt. James Tucker was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. He grew up on the water, where he spent his time fishing, boating, lifeguarding and hunting from an early age. He graduated from First Coast High School in 2000. Even as a child, James enjoyed helping others; he volunteered at various medical events with his mother, served as an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard for the City of Jacksonville, and worked with the Yulee Volunteer Fire Department, where he completed his Fire I training in 2005. He became the Assistant Chief of the Volunteer Fire Department in Hilliard County in 2007. He then joined the Camden County Fire Department in 2008 and worked with Liberty Ambulance Service as a paramedic from 2009-2011. He completed his Fire II training at First Coast Technical College in 2011 before joining the Fernandina Beach Fire Department. He was currently enrolled at the University of Florida and working obtain his bachelor’s degree in Fire Emergency Management.

Lt. Tucker's dedication, bravery, and service to his community were exemplary. He joined the Fernandina Beach Fire Department 13 years ago, showing unwavering commitment and courage. In 2018, he was promoted to engineer and, most recently, to lieutenant in October. His heroic efforts were recognized in 2022 when he received an EMS Save commendation for delivering a crash victim with serious injuries to an airlift in just 12 minutes. Lt. Tucker has also been honored multiple times at UF Health's Night for Heroes for his role in saving critically injured patients and bringing them to UF Health's Level 1 Trauma Center, where his wife, Dr. Melissa Parsons-Tucker, serves as an emergency medicine physician and the Program Director for the Emergency Medicine Residency Program. He also ran Northeast Florida Medical Training, providing basic life support, advanced cardiac life support and pediatric advanced life support training to paramedics, nurses, physicians and countless community members.

Lt. Tucker was known for his adventuresome and playful spirit. He enjoyed being on the water and spent his time fishing, scalloping and catching lobster with his wife and children. He loved hunting, skiing and any sort of travel. He was always looking for a new adventure: a hike in the mountains, a delicious restaurant, a new campsite, or a new project or gadget. He was a party planner and connector. He loved bringing people together, especially around a dining table. He was known for his exceptional cooking both at home and at the fire station. Lt. Tucker was known for playing big pranks, but also for the big love he gave to all those around him.

Services celebrating the life of Lt. James Marcus Tucker will take place on Friday, June 7, 2024 at 10am at the Church of Eleven22 – 14286 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32250. This will be followed by a procession to Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn at 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, Florida 32207.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following:

• The Fernandina Beach Fire Department – Attention Stacy Clough Fire Services Manager, 516 South 10ᵗʰ Street Suite 118, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

• Captains for Clean Water at www.captainsforcleanwater.org

• Or donate to support the future education of the Tucker children via a GoFundMe account that has been established here: https://gofund.me/eb6ff367

Lt. Tucker's passing leaves a significant void in our community and in the lives of his family. Please join us as we honor his legacy and celebrate his life with all of the heart, dedication and joy that he poured into each and every day.