Rev. James Cleston Walker

Rev. James Cleston Walker

The Rev. James Cleston Walker, a devoted servant of God and his community for over five decades, peacefully passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on April 2, 1937, Rev. Walker's long and distinguished life was characterized by his unwavering faith, profound wisdom, and the tireless dedication he brought to his 50 years in the Baptist ministry.

Born in Reyno, Arkansas to Essie (Vassar) Walker and Benjamin Harrison Walker, he was called to the ministry early in life. He was Licensed to Ministry at Trinity Baptist Church, Menphis, Tennessee in 1957 and was ordained to Gospel Ministry at Una Baptist Church, Nashville, Tennessee in 1958. He dedicated himself to theological study, earning a Bachelor of Arts, Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, 1968 and a Master of Divinity, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1972. In 1957, Rev. Walker accepted the call to serve as a student pastor in multiple churches in Tennessee, Arkansas and Texas. In 1973, he became the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Melbourne, Arkansas. In 1977 he became the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Mt. Ida, Arkansas.

In 1983, James C. Walker took his longest position at Archview Baptist Church, Little Rock, Arkansas. In his role as Senior Pastor, James had Pastoral oversight of yearly Vacation Bible School (VBS) and community outreach events including cookouts and entertainment for residents in the community. He provided leadership in supporting annual North American and International Mission Board efforts of the Southern Baptist Convention. He led mission efforts in conjunction with sister churches in Michigan for five (5) consecutive years taking an average of 25 youth and adult workers on mission to provide VBS, Backyard Bible Clubs, community canvassing for new church starts and revivals/evangelistic efforts in cooperation with the Michigan Baptist Convention and North American Mission Board Representatives. He was active in Pulaski Baptist Association and the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.

James C. Walker was also active in the greater Little Rock Baptist Association as a member and leader, involved in Committee work such as Finance, Personnel and Missions. He joined sister churches in the Little Rock area and was actively involved in Interdenominational Prayer/Encouragement Group for Pastors in Little Rock. He joined this group in 1993, participating in the Prayer Summit Movement, an active volunteer in Prison Ministry bringing evangelism and encouragement to inmates of Cummins and Tucker Facilities of Arkansas Department of Corrections. James supported World Harvest Christian Centers in London and Manchester, United Kingdom, Preaching a ministry of encouragement to Christian churches led by young African professionals whose congregations are evangelical in doctrine and charismatic in experience. These congregations are made up of immigrants from around the globe, many from Muslim countries.

Beyond the pulpit, Rev. Walker was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his loving daughter, Melissa Walker-Luckett, son James Luckett, Grand Children Amelia (Amy) Stewart, Amber Seymour and husband Kevin Seymour and Great Grand Children Aidan Stewart, Allen James Stewart, Avery Stewart, Luke Texas Seymour, and Rutledge Seymour.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Benjamin Harrison Walker and Essie Vassar Walker; Siblings, Glenburn Walker, Birdie Mae Woods, Preston Walker, Milburn Walker, Bonnie Sue Jackson, and Malissa Faye Walker; his beloved wife, Mary Lea Vanzant Walker, and cherished son Mark David Walker.

A man known for his thoughtful counsel, booming sermon delivery, and gentle demeanor, Rev. Walker also possessed a deep love for children and babies. He leaves a spiritual and moral legacy that will forever enrich the lives of his family, his congregation, and the city he served so faithfully.

Service Information

The family will receive family and friends on Saturday, October 18, 12 Noon at McNabb Funeral Chapel 2129 N. Park St. Pocahontas, AR 72455. Phone: 870-892-5242

A funeral service celebrating his life and ministry will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2:00 PM at McNabb Funeral Chapel 2129 N. Park St. Pocahontas, AR 72455. Phone: 870-892-5242

He will be laid to rest along-side of his wife Mary Lea Walker at Nelson Cemetery in Reyno, Arkansas.

Due to James' love of higher education, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Lowe Scholarship Fund at Royal Lane Baptist Church. Lowe Scholarship Fund

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