James Ray "Cotton" Walker

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - James Ray "Cotton" Walker, 91, of Knoxville, passed away peacefully on Jan. 14, 2025.

Cotton was born in Paducah, Kentucky, on April 18, 1933, to Willard D. and Bernice Alexander Walker. He was a 1952 graduate of Augusta Tilghman High School and received both bachelor's and master's degrees as well as 40 hours above from Murray State University.

Cotton spent his career as a scholastic professional, first as a teacher and principal and then as an athletic administrator, providing guidance and mentoring to countless students, coaches, teachers, and colleagues. He was the first principal of Paducah Middle School and then served as the athletic director of Paducah Tilghman High School until his retirement.

Because of his dedication and many contributions to the city of Paducah, Cotton was named as both a Duke of Paducah and a Kentucky Colonel.

Cotton made a lasting mark on those that he came in contact with. No matter where his travels took him, he always seemed to run into someone that would come up, shake his hand, and let him know the impact that "Mr. Walker" had on their life. The world and many people were impacted by him positively during his time on Earth.

One of Cotton's great passions in life was sports. He was a gifted athlete in his youth, particularly excelling at basketball. In his later years, he enjoyed staying active by playing golf with his friends in Lady Lake, Florida. You could almost always find him watching some type of sporting event, but his favorite was always Kentucky Wildcat basketball.

Cotton will be dearly missed by his wife, Jane Mabry Walker of Knoxville; granddaughter, Lindsey Raye Heath (John) Stone of Moseley, Virginia; grandson, Connor Jarvis (Megan Yapo) Heath of Naples, Florida; great-grandchildren, Alexandra Walker Stone and John Carter Stone Jr. of Moseley, Virginia; Jane's children, Michael Stewart, Annie Stewart, Mabry Stewart and Millie Stewart; and her grandchildren, Ben, Nick, Chase, Milo and Molly; his namesake, Walker Cunningham; dear friends, Danny and Barb Wright and a special cousin, Bobbie Jo Harwood.

He is preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Coleman Hill; first wife, Shirley Anne Connor Walker; and daughter, Raye Ann Walker Kauffman.

A private graveside Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of a memorial donation in Cotton's memory to The Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club, P.O. Box 203, Paducah, KY 42002; or another charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. 865-6WE-CARE (693-2273) cremationoptionsinc.com.