James Kenneth Walker

1923-2007

REDDING-James Kenneth Walker passed away Friday, October 5th, at Mercy Medical Center in Redding. Jim was born September 29, 1923 in Los Angeles, CA, the son of Aubrey and Lucille Walker. He graduated from Washington High School and Compton Junior College in Los Angeles, where he was recruited for USC's track team by coach Dean Cromwell. He enlisted the Navy during WWII and served as an officer in the South Pacific. He was involved in combat in Okinawa and earned the rank of Lieutenant Commander by the time of his retirement. He was married in 1946 to Mary Louise Webb and their first son, Thomas James, was born in 1948. Jim earned his Bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 1951. He practiced general dentistry in Gardena, Santa Cruz and the Bay Area until his retirement in Redding in 1978. He inspired a daughter and two grandsons to attend USC, and was a loyal Trojan football fan. Jim was an unassuming man of many talents. He could recite Chaucer, design and build anything, play the piano by ear, and tell amazing stories-a wonderful role model for his grandchildren. He enjoyed beautifying his ranches, boating, fishing, flying, driving his old Toyota truck, and helping his family with their many projects.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Mary Lou Walker, who passed away September 22. He is survived his daughter Janis Marsh, Redding, CA, his daughter and her husband, Lauren and Larry Starcevich, Redding, CA, his son Bruce and his wife Lisa, Fort Jones, CA; his sister Audrey Wright (Los Gatos, CA), his niece Diana Weissman (Morgan Hill, CA); nine grandchildren, Eric Karlen (Stacey), Las Vegas, NV, Judson Karlen
(Melissa), Echo Park, CA, Jessica Flanagan (Eric), Fairfield, CA, Jason Walker (Christina), Ashland, OR, Kristen Starcevich, Palm Springs, CA, Megan Starcevich,Santa Cruz, CA, Katie Marsh, Redding, CA, Jeffrey Walker, Fort Jones, CA, and Hilary Marsh, Redding, CA; and eight great-grandchildren, Cobi and Calli Walker, Cash Karlen, Garrett and Morgan Flanagan, Anna, Reid and Nic Stender.

Jim's family wishes to express deep gratitude to the staff at the Mercy Medical Center, DCI Dialysis Center, Dr. Bruce Miller, Dr. Andre Van Mol, Pastor John Roland, and Canyonwood Rehabilitation Center.

A military service will be held in November at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, where Jim and his beloved wife Mary Lou will rest together alongside their eldest son, Cpl. Thomas James Walker, USMC, who died in Vietnam in 1967. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shasta College Foundation, Redding, CA, for the Dr. James K. and Mary Lou Walker Scholarship Fund.