James R. Walker

Madrid: The family of James R. "JJ" Walker, of School St, Madrid, is saddened to share the news of his passing. Jim passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
James was born on April 22, 1953, in Ogdensburg, NY, son of the late William and Ruth (Rose) Walker of Chipman, NY. He attended Madrid-Waddington Central School, graduating in 1971. He continued his education at ATC in Canton.
JJ was an avid Fireman and Harley Davidson rider. Serving for 28 years in Jefferson County as Chief of Felts Mills FD, Assistant Chief of Felts Mills FD, and past president of Jefferson County Fire Chiefs Association. More recently, for the past 10 years, he served as an active fireman for Madrid Volunteer Fire Department. Also, on occasion, driving for Madrid Rescue when needed.
He rode motorcycles for most of his life. Riding to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island with his "brother from another mother" Jim Putman, in the year of 1978. Belonging to the Red Knights International Motorcycle Club, local #35 for the last several years. There he served as the secretary-treasurer. He was chosen as the Red Knight of the year for New York State in 2024.
He was also a member of Chipman 4H as a young man showing animals at the local county fair, along with Scotch Presbyterian Church of Chipman.
James is survived by his devoted wife Cheryl LaBarge, his sons William Walker of Clayton, NY, and James and wife Marja Walker of Croghan, NY. His stepchildren Angela Foster of Parishville, NY, and William and wife Heather Sova of Winthrop, NY. JJ Also survived by his 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren affectionately known to "Pop" as the varmints! His sister Norma Jean and husband Gary Coloton of Annapolis, MD, also by a nephew and a niece, along with great-nieces and nephews.
James was predeceased by his parents William and Ruth Walker and a niece.
Arrangements are under the care of Philips Memorial Homes, Madrid. Friends and family may call Friday, April 4, 2025, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm with a prayer service by the Madrid Fire Dept. at 3:00pm. Funeral services for JJ will be held 11:00am on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Phillips Memorial Home, Madrid with Pastor Betsy Westman officiating. You are invited to a reception following the service in the community room at the Scotch Presbyterian Church in Chipman to share in food and fellowship. Burial to take place in Madrid Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Madrid Fire Dept.; P.O. Box 69, Madrid, New York 13660. Madrid Rescue Squad; P.O. Box 129 or the SLC Cancer Fund; P.O. Box 291, Canton New York 13617.
The family would also like to thank St. Lawrence Palliative Care and Hospice, for their support and care over the past few weeks.
Family and friends are encouraged to share photos, memories, memorial tress and condolences online, by visiting www.PhillipsMemorial.com