James H. (“Jim”) Stuckey, founder of The Stuckey Company in Houston, Texas, and a leading figure in the jewelry industry, passed away on Feb. 12 after a long illness. He was 87.

Stuckey was born in North Louisiana. After graduating High School at 15, he attended Port Arthur College. At the age of 16, he joined the Merchant Marines as a radio operator. After four years, He accepted the job of navigator/radio operator for Pan Am World Airways.

It was at the age of 27, he transferred to Johannesburg, South Africa, and was working as a part time bookkeeper when his eye and his imagination were caught by the brilliance of diamonds. Something clicked for Stuckey and it was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with diamonds.

He decided to go into the jewelry business and, with a partner, he founded The Stuckey and Speer Co. in 1951, and, later, The Gold Lance Class Ring Co. In 1971, the conglomerate, Beatrice Foods, bought the company and in 1981 Jim Stuckey started the company that bears his name. 

Under his guidance and leadership the company grew and became a leading supplier of diamond jewelry to independent retailers. Over the years, The Stuckey Company with Jim’s son Jay as president, has supplied its retailers with a large portfolio of advertising and promotion materials to help them sell jewelry.

Stuckey is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jane, his daughter Barbara Beckman, Admissions Director of Tulane Medical School, his daughter Holly Brandt, a school teacher in Austin, Texas and his son, Jay now head of The Stuckey Company.

The Stuckey family has set up a memorial Scholarship with the University of Texas Marine Science Institute. Please call 1-800-231-1711.

JCK