James R. Walker

James Richard Walker, 94, beloved husband of Phyllis "Woodie" Walker, died peacefully on October 18, 2023. He was born January 29, 1929 in Indianapolis to the late Kathleen Marie (Barger) and Dr. James Byron Walker.
Jim's long life included many accomplishments, from earning Eagle Scout as a young teen to graduating from Indiana University in 1950 with a major in insurance. A member of the Phi Kapps Psi fraternity, Jim was particularly proud of the fact that he was on the IU golf team-a sport that endured for him as a lifelong passion.
Upon graduating, Jim entered the Army and attained the rank of First Lieutenant before he was honorably discharged 1953. He launched a productive career at Westinghouse Handford, remaining with Westinghouse until his retirement in 1988.
Overriding work and personal interests, however, was Jim's deep commitment to family. Family came first, forming the center of his life. As a husband, Jim believed in his wife, unwavering in his devotion and proud of her many accomplishments. As a father, he was loving and supportive, offering his children encouragement that took them further than they thought they could go. Jim's daughter Jodi recalls that her father always believed she could do things she doubted she could accomplish. Because of his certainty, she says, "I began to believe that I could."
He leaves behind his wife of 35 years, Phyllis 'Woodie' Sublett-Walker; children, Jodi (Tom) Sheppard and James B. (Sheila) Walker; stepchildren, Dyan (Alan Echeverria) Sublett, Scott (Becki) Sublett, James Lee Sublett and Linda Sublett (Robert) Natereli; grandchildren, Jessica and Chelsey Sheppard and Rene and Samantha Walker; and step grandchildren, Frances Echeverria, Zachary Sublett, Elliott Sublett, Weston Sublett and Lindsey Basler.
Visitation will be from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 6, 2023 at Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel, 800 S. Hebron Ave., Evansville. Funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Dr. James C. Baughman officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scouts of America, Buffalo Trace Council, 3501 E. Lloyd Expressway, Evansville, IN 47715 or "The Woodie" City Championship, 555 Tennis Lane, Evansville, IN 47715.