Dr. James Frederick "Fred" Walk

Dr. James Frederick Walk, peacefully passed away with family at his side on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Blue Ridge Hospice Inpatient Center.

Fred was born on January 1, 1935, in Palmerton, PA, the son of the late James Martin and Lena Louise Bauer Walk.

In his youth, Fred was active in the Boy Scouts of America and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with three palms. He earned the God and Country award and was selected to the Order of the Arrow. He also participated in State Chorus and his high school band. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Muhlenberg College and his Medical Degree from the University of Pennsylvania becoming an OB/GYN. In 1960 he served as president of the District III (Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia) Junior Fellows of the American College of OB/GYN. He was published in the Pennsylvania Medical Journal. He then joined the Army and served as Chairman of the OB/GYN department at the US Army Hospital at Fort Polk, LA.

Fred began private practice in Lansdale, PA until 1968. He then moved to Winchester VA and joined Gwen S. Steeley where he continued his specialty until his retirement in October 1997. He introduced gynecological laparoscopic surgery in Winchester in 1970 and was the first to offer spinal anesthetic for his OB patients.

He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1980. He was an active member of Fellowship Bible Church where he served as a Community Group leader for many years and led individual bible studies at his office and home. He also sang in the choir and served as an usher. Fred was a member and leader of Bible Study Fellowship, an Interdenominational Bible Study and the Crack of Dawn men's group. After retirement in 1997, Fred volunteered for Faith in Action. Fred was an integral part of the development and building of the Winchester House for Seniors. Fred was known for his engaging smile and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He married Elaine Synder in 1955, and they had five children, Beth Ann Gustafson (Carl) of Richmond, Scott Walk (Julia) of Charlottesville, Patty Walk of Arlington, Mary Lou Daylor (Dave) of Winchester and Debbie Fields (Marty) of Warm Springs, VA.

Fred married Peggy Williams on July 4, 1980, at the Hunting Ridge Retreat in Frederick County and they had two children, Jennifer Reid (Jeff) and James Walk Jr. (Melissa) of Winchester. He was blessed to have 15 grandchildren, Kara Gustafson, Ian Walk, Isaiah Walk, David Daylor III, Logan Daylor, Cole Daylor, Rebekah Fields, Daniel Fields, Caleb Fields, Jackson Reid, Ava Lynn Reid, Brecken Reid, Ashton Walk, Addison Harvey, and Ryleigh Harvey. He is also survived by his niece, Joy Roth (Val) and other extended family members.

In addition to his parents, Fred is preceded in death by his sister, Helen Kirkhuff and daughter-in-law, Tammy Walk.

A visitation will be held at Fellowship Bible Church at 10am on Saturday, January 3, 2026, with a Celebration of Life to be conducted at 11am. Senior Pastor Mark Carey will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Abba Pregnancy Center where he served as Director for 3 years, Fellowship Bible Missionary Fund, or Blue Ridge Hospice