Obituaries

James Walker, son of the late Frances and J.T. Walker Sr., was born December 8, 1942, in West Point, Mississippi. Desiring to be with his heavenly Father, James left this earthly home quietly on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

In his early life he confessed his hope and belief in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, and united with St. Robertson M.B. Church in West Point, MS. After leaving Mississippi, he united with Zion Hope under the late Rev. Martin. He later joined Jordan Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Dr. Leonard G. McCray Sr. During his time at Jordan Baptist, James was a member of the Deacon Board and an active member of the Men’s Choir, where he enjoyed lifting his voice to Jesus.

James attended Albert and Northside Schools in West Point, MS. After a 6-year stint with General Motors he began his career with Faygo, in which he retired in 1988. In his early years, James enjoyed singing with the gospel groups The Weary Travelers and The Prince Spiritual Aires. In April of 2006, James was given a second chance in life after receiving a heart transplant at Clevland Clinic Hospital in Clevland, OH. This was the beginning of the new life God had given him with his family.

Before his health began to decline James loved to fish. He was the neighborhood dad that enjoyed showing children how to fish, hunt, and camp. You could catch him on any day with extra children, giving them that father figure that so many young men did not have. He not only loved to fish, he also was a collector, some might say of junk, but it was his junk. If you needed something rare that you couldn’t find, just ask James, he most likely had it. Aside from spending time in nature, James’ second pass time was going to Motor City Casino and playing Tunk at home with his family and friends. Most of all, he enjoyed having all his grandchildren and great grandchildren over to his home. Even in his last days, he was surrounded by the laughter and love of his grandchildren and great grandchildren as he departed his earthly body quietly in his sleep.

James was united in holy matrimony to the late Helen Walker in January of 1966. To this union, five children were born. He is preceded in death by his brother J.T. Walker II, John Rupert (Shirley Rupert), son; Willie Watkins, daughter; Sandra Thomas, and stepmother; Rutha Mae Walker.

James leaves to cherish his precious memories; his children: Yvonne Walker-Rowe; Frances Walker, and Terrence Walker all of Indianapolis, IN. Michael Walker (Charlene); Pamela Walker; Donnell Walker; Lajuan Walker (Corinthia), and Jermaine Walker, all from Detroit, MI; Two brothers: Eddie James-Marshall Walker (Geneva), and Andrea Hatchett (Takiyah), both from Iowa City, IA; one sister; Eloise Booker of West Point, MS. As of today 35, grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. One special son, Eric Durham, and one special daughter, Malisha Johnson, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

We will Always Love Our Dad…….................

J- James Walker had a few titles, but we knew him as dad, we are truly gonna miss all the times that we had!

A- All the parties and cookouts, fishing at the lake; playing cards and shooting the breeze while you put on one of your cassette tapes!

M- Motor city, Greek town, we knew just where he would be; as long as he had some free play, he would grab them keys!

E- Every Sunday he would get dressed and make his way to church, one thing about him, he knew them Bible verse!

S- Sure we’re going to miss you and the days will be long, we’re going to miss how he would dance and cut a rug to his favorite song!

W- We’re going to miss that big ole grin and how he used to laugh, because he had a joke for everyone who crossed his path!

A- All of his grandkids loved him dearly and he loved them just as much, even those out of town he always kept in touch!

L- Living without you is gonna be so hard to do, Daddy just know we will be missing you!

K- Keeping your name alive won’t be hard to do, you have a huge family, just call us the Walker Crew!

E- Each day that passes and you cross our minds, we will just have to remember, god called your number it was your time!

R- Rest peacefully Dad or as Pam them called you “DIDDY” you will definitely be missed, especially in the MOTOR CITY!!!!

Love you always,

Yvonne, Frances, Michael, Terrence, Pamela, Donnell, LaJuan and Jermaine