Walter James West Jr.

Mr. Walter James West, Jr., commonly known as Jim, age 81, of Stockbridge, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Piedmont Henry Hospital. He was born on April 14, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of the late Walter James West Sr. and Dorothy Shockley Connally. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Connally.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary Frances West of 57 years ; children, Cathy Barbeau, David (Marcia) West, Donna (Rusty) Cooper, Tena (Wayne) Williams; grandchildren, Chris (Misty), Russ, Josh, Kayla (Tyler), Daniel, Taylr, and DJ (Kali); great-grandchildren, Austin, Aubrey, Kaitlyn, London, Gracey, Leighton, Waylon, Graye, William, Hannah, Rowan, Cooper, Cade; a brother, George (Joy) West, a nephew, Tommy West; as well as several extended family members and friends.

His family moved to Atlanta when he was a child from Baltimore, Maryland. He grew up in Blair Village right outside of Atlanta. Met many friends there and went to Walter F. George High School and graduated in 1962. He then joined the United States Air Force. He served for four years and served in Vietnam War. He was on several secret missions and was the aircraft mechanic for Chuck Yeager.

He married his high school sweetheart after returning from war – Mary Frances Locke and they have been married for 57 years. He has been a devoted husband, father, papa, brother, friend and servant of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He was employed at Delta Air Lines for over 50 years and then went back to do contract work for them until he was 76 years old. He worked as an AP mechanic and stator inspector and received so many awards and was so very humble that we didn't even know until going through his papers. He has been a very hard and diligent worker, very talented with hands and mind. God gifted him with many talents. He also owned and worked with his brother – George - as an auto mechanic at their garage as a second job. He was a great provider.

Jim and Mary were very involved at their church. They attended Glenwood Hills Baptist Church for years and have been at Eastside Baptist for years now. He has always had a heart to lead others to our Lord Jesus. He was very involved with the nursing home ministry and bringing them by bus to church back at Glenwood Hills and also very involved in local mission and foreign missions. He helped, prayed and gave to so many out of his love for our Lord Jesus.

He will be missed by us and so many as he was so involved in our lives.

Dad – know that you are loved and we will cherish all of our memories.

A service to honor Jim's life will take place on Sunday, March 8, 2026, beginning 2:00 PM, at Salem Baptist Church, 1724 GA-155 N, McDonough, GA 30252, with the family receiving friends beginning at 1:00 PM. Entombment will follow the service at Eastlawn Memorial Park in McDonough, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions to be made to a mission organization of your choice in his honor. Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com. Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors, 770-914-1414.