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James Walker Obituary
Retired MSgt James O. Walker, Jr. 80 passed away June 16, 2017 at his Gulf Breeze home after a long battle against cancer and under the peaceful care of Hospice. He was a career pilgrim, with a heart for his country and his family, a beloved man and we mourn for our loss but will celebrate his life 12:30 Monday, June 26, at Barrancas National Cemetery.
A native of Pensacola, son of James Z. Walker and Esther Bell Walker, his military career commenced at 17 in the Army then continued in the Marines where three tours in Vietnam battle decorated his uniform with medals. Following retirement in 1975, he graduated from the University of Arkansas Little Rock, returned to Pensacola to spend a dozen years as a corrections officer meeting and marrying his wife Joy in 1982. Together they opened "J W's Pub" on Highway 98 in Gulf Breeze. A model of life well lived, J W was Post Commander multiple times of Gulf Breeze VFW Post 4407, and Post Command of American Legion Post 378 as well as member of Military Order of COOTIE Honor Degree of the VFW. Survived by his wife of 35 years, he leaves behind three daughters, Kelly Williams (Gary), Kerry Walker, Kimberly Hemby (Rodney), four step children Lynda Kinsler, Edwin Joens (Natalie), John Joens (Nicole) and Charles Simmons with 14 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. A model of life well lived, MSgt James Walker, Jr. lived for his family, fought for his country and will be remembered by his friends. Assembly set for 11:30 at Oak Lawn Funeral Home for precession to Barrancas National Cemetery for services. Memorial gifts may be made in MSgt James Walker, Jr. name to Cancer Society - V.F.W., COOTIE and American Legion, Gulf Breeze Florida Post.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Walker
Sponsored by Oak Lawn Funeral Home.
Christine Domijan
June 26, 2017
JW was there for many now many are there for you so sorry for the loss C. Domijan
Kyle Prell
June 26, 2017
I saw your procession and looked you up. Congratulations on a life well lived. Hoorah !!!
June 26, 2017
Kerry and family - I am so sorry for your loss and I wish I had met your dad. I can tell by how much you love him and grieve for him that he must have been a wonderful person and a great dad. I am blessed to have you in my life. Love always - Tracey
Michael H. Sarra
June 26, 2017
So sorry for your loss. May God wrap you in his arms and give you peace. "Always Faithful".
June 26, 2017
I will miss you, my friend. SEMPER FI....and GO CUBBIES!!! Sue and Doug Herren
James Gschwind
June 25, 2017
A good father, son, husband and a good Marine, basically a good man. You will be missed by many.
James Walker
June 25, 2017
So many memories,never forgotten.
You will be missed dearly.
Love you forever.
Joy
Chuck Olsen
June 25, 2017
Jim Walker was one of my most trusted advisors during my tenure as Commander of post 378. I will miss him at meetings, at Bingo, and singing God Bless the USA at karaoke. He was brave man and a fighter and beat his cancer down 5 out of 6 times. I know few others with the guts to have done this. I saw him a few weeks ago, we talked about the elections, new officers and watched the cubs and opened some pull tabs from the post. Missi and I came to see him just before he passed away. Moments later he did pass. Fair winds and following seas my friend.
Kimberly Anne Hemby
June 25, 2017
Miss you Daddy...
Veronica Stanton
June 24, 2017
MY CONDOLENCES TO SGT. WALKER'S FAMILY, I WORKED UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP FOR SEVERAL YEARS. HE WAS VERY STERN, BUT HAD THE FUNNIEST LAUGH,WE ENJOYED NUMEROUS SHIFT PARTIES. HIS UNIFORM AND SHOES WERE IMMACULATE, HE SERVED THE COUNTY AND HIS COUNTRY!
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June 24, 2017
Semper Fi! MSgt. Walker. Thanks for your service.
June 24, 2017
With deepest sympathy, may you find comfort from God, the hearer of prayer Psalm 67:2
Gordon Ski
June 24, 2017
Worked in corrections with Jim in the booking section, had a lot of good times and memories.
Mike Legionnaires Am Legion Post 356
June 24, 2017
Sincere condolences to the family. Thank you for your distinguished service Master Sgt. James Walker. God Speed.
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