James Nicholas Ucker

James Nicholas Ucker, aged 88, passed away on December 19, 2025 in Colorado.

James was born January 10, 1937, in Logan, Ohio, to the late Paul J. Ucker and Florence E. (Schrader) Ucker. After graduating from Logan High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1954, proudly serving with the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton and then Treasure Island in California, attaining the rank of Corporal. After honorable discharge from the military, he attended Linotype operator training school in Logan and worked the Canal Winchester, OSU and Columbus Dispatch newspapers. In 1959, James married Marjorie Y. Rower in Lancaster. They had one son, Gregory, born in 1960.

James enjoyed traveling overland across the North American continent. Particularly memorable were the numerous trips in the late-70's with his son, driving the then-dirt AlCan highway, exploring Alaska and the Yukon, and venturing north beyond the Arctic Circle (hoping not to run out of gas... no services!).

James was a Communications Workers of America Union member, retiring from the Dispatch in 1998. During retirement, he frequently drove cross-country to Lyons, Colorado, to visit his son, his daughter-in-law, Julia Herz, and his grandchildren, Leo and Cooper Ucker of whom he was very proud. In 2022, he relocated to Lyons but remained "scarlet and grey" through and through (Go Bucks!). He is survived by his sister Mary (Ucker) Slusher of Troy, and was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Paul Ucker,  Joan (Ucker) Jordan, Bernadine (Ucker) Frasure, and Irene Ucker.

A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Father Jean-Luc Zadroga will be held at St. John Catholic Church in Logan, Ohio at 10 AM on Friday, January 9, 2026. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Logan, Ohio.

Visitation will be held at the Roberts Funeral Home from 5-7 PM on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either The Ohio State University Cardiovascular Medicine Teaching and Research Fund (fund #302680) or to TRU Community Care Hospice (www.trucare.org/donate)

Arrangements by Roberts Funeral Home in Logan, Ohio.

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