LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Jim Guy Tucker, who took office as the governor of Arkansas following Bill Clinton’s election as president, has passed away at the age of 81. According to his daughter, Anna Ashton, Tucker died Thursday in Little Rock due to complications from ulcerative colitis.
Ashton emphasized her father’s character, stating, “Beyond his public persona, he was an incredible father and a fun-loving person who cherished music and the great outdoors. I could not have asked for a better dad.” Tucker’s journey in politics began as lieutenant governor, ultimately succeeding Clinton in 1992 and being elected for a full term in 1994, despite facing accusations of impending legal issues from his opponents. Although he did not release his tax returns, citing the complexity of them, he managed to secure election against Republican Sheffield Nelson.
However, shortly after assuming his full term, Tucker was indicted by a grand jury, later being convicted in 1996 for misrepresenting the use of a government-backed loan. His plea to withdraw a tax conspiracy charge in 1998 led to years of legal battles over his case. It is notable that Tucker had no direct ties to the controversial Whitewater land development project linked to Clinton. Nevertheless, he found himself ensnared in the broader investigation that eventually led to charges against him for mishandling a $150,000 loan meant for a water tower project, which he redirected towards purchasing a water and sewer utility instead.
The lengthy Whitewater probe concluded in 2006 when the U.S. Supreme Court decided not to review Tucker’s conviction. He consistently maintained that his legal troubles were politically motivated due to Clinton’s influence and the case concluded with a sentiment that perhaps he was unfairly targeted by prosecutors as suggested by deputy Whitewater prosecutor W. Hickman Ewing.
Initially announcing his resignation on July 15, 1996, Tucker caused chaos when he attempted to retract his decision as Mike Huckabee was ready to be sworn in. This caused a mix-up over the leadership in the state, but eventually, Tucker surrendered and resigned later that evening after facing threats of impeachment. Huckabee, who later became President Donald Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Israel, went on to serve as governor for ten and a half years.
Reflecting on his tumultuous resignation ten years later, Tucker admitted, “I clearly made a terrible mistake in delaying the resignation I had announced,” expressing regret over the incident. Bill Clinton remembered Tucker fondly, stating that his public service contributed positively to the state, and regretted that his career was cut short by a “partisan witch hunt.” Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders acknowledged Tucker’s commitment to public service and his support for vulnerable citizens.
Beginning his political career in 1970 as prosecutor in the Little Rock area, Tucker served as the state attorney general and was elected to Congress in 1976. Former Governor Mike Beebe remembered Tucker as intelligent and tough, praising his dedication to improving the state.
After a failed gubernatorial campaign in 1982, Tucker focused on his law practice and a growing cable television business before seeking the lieutenant governorship in 1990. He eventually became governor after Clinton’s presidency began on December 12, 1992. Tucker battled significant health issues, including a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis in 1983 and chronic liver disorder sclerosing cholangitis but remained active in recent years, appearing at significant state events.
After the initial summary conviction in the Whitewater case, Tucker’s legal team argued that imprisonment would be devastating given his health, leading a federal judge to agree and allow him a liver transplant as a result. Born on June 14, 1943, Tucker was a native of Arkansas, a Harvard graduate, and a military veteran who served in the Marine Corps Reserve as well as a civilian war correspondent in Vietnam. He is survived by his wife, Betty; his stepson, Lance Alworth Jr.; stepdaughter Kelly Driscoll; and daughters Anna Ashton and Sarah Tucker.
