John M. Walker

John passed away peacefully at the age of 82, in St. Joseph surrounded by his beloved wife of 58 years, Marge Walker, and daughter, Suzanne Thursby.

Born in Muskegon, Mich., John grew up riding motorcycles, acquiring his handy skills by helping to build his family's homes and enjoying his early adventurous life near Lake Michigan with his brother and sisters. He attended North Muskegon High School.

Eventually, John studied economics at Michigan State University where he met the love of his life at the first school dance they both attended on campus. John and Marge were married in 1966 in Benton Harbor.

He answered the call to serve his country by joining the U.S. Air Force, working on Chanute and Dover bases, serving as a captain in Danang during the war in Vietnam, and spending his final year of service stationed at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, Calif. This state became home for the next 50 years, where he and Marge raised their two daughters and became active in their community. John pursued his law degree in San Francisco, and enjoyed a rewarding 45-year career in the Bay Area.

He met many dear friends through his deep involvement with his daughters' activities as a passionate soccer dad, Brownie and Girl Scout troop trip leader, creative Halloween and dance costume maker, and enthusiastic theater dad. John also enjoyed introducing many visiting loved ones to amazing experiences in San Francisco as an energetic, unofficial tour guide, always including a thrilling, fast ride down crooked Lombard Street! Additionally, he loved serving on Millbrae's City Planning Commission for over two decades, and shared his own passion for theater through both acting and committee volunteering with Capuchino Community Theater, Palo Alto Players and Peninsula Civic Light Opera/Broadway by the Bay. After retiring, he was thrilled to go traveling and on cruises, to theater and dinners with friends, and enjoy visits with his grandkids.

While the beautiful Bay Area gave John lifelong friendships and cherished memories, he and Marge made the decision to return to their Michigan roots in 2020 to be closer to family as his health declined due to his earlier chemical exposures in Vietnam. John always adored Lake Michigan. His favorite pastime in recent years was to go out for a ride, explore somewhere new and find a good dessert! His legacy as a fun and loving husband, brother, father, uncle and grandfather will be cherished by all who knew him.

John was preceded in death by his parents: John Lewis Walker and Jaconetta Walker.

John is survived by his loving wife Marguerite "Marge" Walker; daughters: Suzanne (Michael) Thursby and Julie Walker; precious grandchildren: Rachel Thursby (Anna Grace Howard), Sean Thursby and Taylor Emanuel; sisters: Jane Weber and Marva (Wally) Jones and brother, Paul (Esther) Walker.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 or Corewell Health Hospice-Royalton, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.