James E. Walker

James E. "Jimmy" Walker

1924-2013

Gulfport, MS

James E. "Jimmy" Walker, 88, peacefully passed away on February 21, 2013, surrounded by his devoted family and friends.

Jimmy was born on April 12, 1924, in Gulfport, Mississippi, and was one of seven children born into a strong knit, hard working, loving family. After graduating from Woolmarket High School, he followed in the footsteps of his father and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served his country with pride and honor during WWII, from 1942-1945, in numerous locations throughout the South Pacific, including Leyte Island in the Philippines. One of the highlights of his service was the honor of witnessing General McArthur's landing in the Philippines.

Returning from his tour of duty, he married the love of his life, Helen Peterson Walker, on February 21, 1946. He earned his degree from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and was hired as the Engineering Supervisor at the Biloxi V.A. Jimmy retired after 35 years of faithful service. During this time, he also partnered with his close friends and purchased and operated a charter fishing boat, The Gulf Gem, during the 1980's.

After retiring from the V.A., Jimmy earned his Real Estate license and worked as an agent for McGuire Real Estate and John Phillips and Associates.

He was an active member of the Mississippi City Lions Club for over 50 years, serving in various capacities, including President, and District Governor. He served on the Harrison County Development Commission for 24 years, one of the longest serving members in its history. Jimmy was also a proud member of the NRA and the Republican Party. He was also an active, lifelong member of Coalville Methodist Church.

He had a lifelong passion for fishing that began with his father and was passed down to his son and grandchildren. Fishing at the Chandeleur Islands was his idea of "heaven on earth," and he spent many happy days catching speckled trout while sharing his love for the outdoors with family and friends. He also had great compassion for all of God's creatures and was a regular contributor to the South MS Humane Society.

He was preceded in death by Samuel D. Walker (father), Lena M. Walker (mother), Samuel D. Walker, Jr. (brother), Lola May McKoniche (sister), Katie Ruth Bottin (sister), and Mary Ellen Smith (sister).

Cherishing a lifetime of loving memories are his surviving family; his beloved wife of 67 years, Helen Peterson Walker; his devoted son, Jim Walker (Elizabeth); and his adoring grandchildren, James E. "Nick" Walker, III, and Amanda Shook (Jeremy); his brother, Robert Earl Walker; his sister, Norma Jean Pope; and numerous nieces, nephews, and loving friends and family members.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 25, 2013, at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Funeral services will be in the funeral home chapel at 12:30 p.m.

Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. with military honors provided by the U.S. Marine Corps.

The family askes that contributions be made either to the Coalville United Methodist Church or the South Mississippi Humane Society in lieu of flowers.

Tributes may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com.