John Tucker III

In Loving Memory of John Tucker III January 11, 1943 – June 7, 2025

John Tucker III passed away peacefully at his home in Firth, Idaho, on June 7, 2025, with his sweet wife, Marsha, by his side. He was 82 years old.

Born January 11, 1943, in Elgin, Illinois, John was the son of Suzanne Claire Heinl and John Tucker, Jr. He was raised in Elgin alongside his sisters Jeannie Kay and Suzette. From a young age, John worked hard, helping his father and grandfather with carpentry work and building houses.

As a teenager, John enjoyed playing sports, watching games, and spending time with friends. He proudly recalled helping his local McDonald’s sell their first one million hamburgers, and loved reminiscing about watching the Cubs at Wrigley Field, the Bears at Soldier Field, and the Blackhawks in Chicago. Always on the go, John was known for cruising around town in nice cars and making memories with his buddies.

When he was 15 years old, his mother passed away from a heart issue, and in 1962, his dad married Marilyn Guptail and he gained 5 new siblings and later, a new baby brother.

After graduating from Elgin High School, he attended one semester at Western Illinois University before enlisting in the U.S. Navy on April 9, 1964. John impressed the Navy with his intelligence, scoring in the top 10% of the top 1% on his placement exam. This achievement led to his training at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. John was trained in nuclear engineering and later set sail on the aircraft carrier The U.S.S. Enterprise.

This was a move that would change his life forever. While in Idaho, John met the love of his life, Marsha Mecham. He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in December 1965, and he and Marsha were married on February 26, 1966, in Firth, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple on November 25, 1966. Together they raised 7 wonderful children.

John graduated from Idaho State University and devoted his professional life to education. He began his career as a math and special education teacher in the Firth School District, later serving as high school principal—a role he lovingly referred to as a “demotion”—and ultimately became the Superintendent of the district. He was a passionate educator who always put students first, and his influence was deeply felt throughout the community.

Beyond his career, John found his greatest joy in his family. He rarely missed a sporting event or school activity and created lasting memories through family camping trips to Hawley Creek and vacations to Boise. He was a man of steady faith who loved to tell stories about his past and had a great love for his country and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

John is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Marsha and their seven children, John Tucker IV (Paula), Jana Jensen (Matt), Christopher Tucker (Renee), Kaylene Whitten (Michael), Klarice Johnson (Brian), Brady Tucker (Wendy), and Amber Tucker, and brothers, Richard Guptail and Tim Tucker (Kathy), sisters, Cindy Quinton (Mike), Jeannie Kaye Rosalez, Sheryl Sauer (Bob), 34 grandchildren, and 7 (soon to be 9) great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John Jr. and Suzanne Tucker, step-mother, Marilyn Tucker, mother- and father-in-law, Hyrum and Mildred Mecham, sister, Suzette, brothers, Doug Tucker and Mike Guptail, brothers-in-law, Sherman Mecham and Larry Mecham, and a beloved grandson, McKeon Whitten.

John’s life was one of service and love. Though he has returned home to his Heavenly Father, his legacy lives on in the lives of his family, friends, students, and all who were blessed to know him.

The family would like to thank the medical staff at EIRMC, Promontory Point, Brio Home Health, and Enhabit Hospice.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 14, 2025 at the Firth Stake Center, 823 N 675 E in Basalt. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 till 8:00 P.M. and Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. till 10:45 a.m. both at the church. Burial will be in the Firth Cemetery with military rites. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home.

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