UJ Puckett

Few figures in American billiards loom as large in folklore as Utley Jim “U.J.” Puckett—a flamboyant presence whose charisma, voice, and swagger defined poolroom culture in mid-century Texas.

Born in 1911 in Prattsville, Arkansas, Puckett demonstrated an early affinity for billiards, eventually claiming the national nine-ball championship—a testament to his raw talent and competitive spirit

By the 1970s, Puckett had become a familiar presence at The Golden Nugget pool hall on West Seventh Street in Fort Worth, Texas—where his legendary grin, booming baritone, and one-liners endeared him to novices and pros alike. Though often asked to play, he’d famously quip, “I can’t play anymore,” preferring to dispense stories and tips as the self-styled “dean of the hustlers”

He also polished the game’s future stars, offering advice to players like Robert Newkirk and Frank “Bird” Thompson, his friendly mentorship amplifying his impact beyond his own career

Early Staple of the Texas Open

While detailed competition records are sparse, U.J. Puckett was widely regarded as an early staple at the Texas Open, consistently appearing in the event’s early years and helping shape its reputation as a key battleground for America’s best cue artists.

His influence is further underscored by the existence of the Vanover Cup, which bears the name of longtime Texas Open champion Bob Vanover. Though Puckett isn't the cup’s namesake, his presence during the formative years of the Texas Open helped build the prestige of the tournament that now awards the Vanover Cup to its champions

A Legend Remembered

Puckett’s larger-than-life persona was punctuated by his signature look—white hair poking out from beneath a big hat, a shuffling gait, and size-14 double-narrow loafers—as well as vivid phrases that became legend in themselves.

Sadly, after enduring blindness and two strokes, U.J. Puckett passed away in 1992 at age 81. Yet even decades later, tales persist of his spirit haunting Texas pool halls—a fitting ghost story for one of the sport’s most unforgettable characters