Jim Guy Tucker was born on June 13, 1943, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He served as Arkansas Attorney General (1973–1977), U.S. Congressman (1977–1979), and Lieutenant Governor (1991–1992) before becoming Governor in 1992 following President Bill Clinton’s resignation and winning a full term in 1994 He left office on July 15, 1996. Former Governor Tucker passed away on February 13, 2025, at the age of 81. A detailed look at his life and career can be found here and here. The Jim Guy Tucker Papers are available at the University of Arkansas Little Rock Center for Arkansas History and Culture.
With the recent death of Governor Jim Guy Tucker,
I’m flooded with memories of a special time in Arkansas.
by Dawne Vandiver
When Governor Tucker took office, I was selected to serve as executive director of the Democratic Party of Arkansas. Other people had different ideas, but Governor Tucker made the final decision and I was chosen. But I’m not writing about me–this is about a phenomenal time in Arkansas history when two shining stars, two political rivals seen as enemies in Arkansas, led our state and our country simultaneously.
Governor Tucker was all business. He surrounded himself with wise business leaders and energetic young progressives. His agenda, inspired by President Jimmy Carter, encouraged economic growth, relief for the poor, and climate protection. Governor Tucker had a plan for Arkansas and it was an exciting time.
A visionary, as governor he recognized this was the perfect time in history for America to get to know the Natural State. His agenda was powerful. There was an Arkansan in the oval office. Could the scene have been set any better?
President William J. Clinton meeting with Arkansas Governor Jim Guy Tucker in the Oval Office
of the White House, October 6, 1993. Photograph by Robert McNeely, National Archives.
Then came the surprise, something completely foreign to us at the time: Special Prosecutor Kenneth Starr. What followed was a conviction, a resignation, an attempt to not resign, and finally, a change in the regime. We were in shock and did not know how to handle this new reality.
Hard days followed, yet Governor Tucker never stopped working. He did not hide in a corner and shy away from public life. He mentored and encouraged candidates, attended events and donated money. He never stopped flashing his million-dollar smile.
I wish I thanked him more for the opportunity of a lifetime. He was my dad’s best friend, the son he never had, really. They were inseparable then and if the truth be known, my Dad was instrumental in convincing Governor Tucker to run for Lt. Governor and not challenge incumbent Governor Bill Clinton, who was eyeing the presidency.
We are a better Arkansas because Governor Tucker stepped aside to let Clinton run for office. Arkansas was in good hands. Yes, they were rivals, but both were working for the good of Arkansas always.
If I had a dollar for every time someone said to me, “If only Jim Guy wasn’t targeted, Arkansas would be different today.”
I wish with all my heart that I could hear his voice right now. He would explain. He would calm us down. He would remind us that when we are hit the hardest, we fight back. Governor Tucker fought for his life and he lived a long and wonderful one. He loved his wife and children, he loved his friends. Loyalty like his should be duplicated and admired.
Arkansas Governors at the Governor’s Mansion in 1995. Left to right: Dale Bumpers, David Pryor, Jim Guy Tucker,
President William J. Clinton, Frank White, and Sid McMath. Photograph by Sharon Farmer, National Archives.
Would Arkansas be different today? We will never know. What I do know is Governor Tucker fought a good fight. He ran his race and completed his course. Well done, Governor!
Dawne Benafield Vandiver served two different tenures as the executive director of the Democratic Party of Arkansas, was elected Justice of the Peace for District 2 in Pulaski County three times, serving from 2006-2012. Prior to her retirement in 2020, she served on the Arkansas Parole Board for seven years, appointed by Governor Mike Beebe. Dawne resides in Little Rock and enjoys supporting progressive causes and spending time with her grandchildren.