James Tucker SR.

James Carl Tucker, Sr., passed away Thursday, Sept 8, 2011, in Durango, Colo. He was 71. Born Jan. 2, 1940, in Wellington, Texas, to Leon and Nona Tucker, he was known to friends and family as “Carl.”

Carl worked all of his life in the scrap metal business. He started American Iron and Metal in Clovis, N.M., in the late 1960's. In the late 1970's, Carl moved back to Farmington, and formed 4 Corners Scrap metals. From the late 1970's to 1986 he ran Farmington Iron and Metal. From 1991 to present, he was part owner with son J.C. Tucker, Jr., of Salvage Plus Recycling in Kirtland, N.M.

Carl enjoyed his family and proudly displayed their photos around his home. He had fun with family at local restaurants, especially Francisco's. He was known for his meticulously trimmed lawn and flowers. An avid collector of western antique relics and memorabilia from the 1950's, he enjoyed his first ride in his recently restored 1951 Cadillac on Memorial Day of this year. Many Durango locals will remember Mountain Memories Wildlife Refuge up Junction Creek Road, which was developed by Carl in the early 1980's.

He is preceded in death by grandson Denton R. Tucker and his parents.

Carl is survived by sons J.C. (Nancy) Tucker and Terry (Kim) Tucker of Durango, adopted son Robert Everett, sister Mary Vanetta, brothers Clyde Tucker of Kilgore, Texas, and Dewey L. Tucker of Lubbock, Texas; granddaughters Ashlie, Brittany, and Jenna Tucker; great-grandson Brycen Klein, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please join the family in a celebration of life and potluck at 4 p.m. Saturday, September 17, 2011, at 165 County Road 231 in Durango.