James "Jim" F. Walker

WALKER, JAMES F.
of Jackson, passed peacefully into eternal life on Tuesday, February 8th 2011 surrounded by his adoring family, leaving this life as the exemplary husband, father, grandfather and servant of God.
He was born on April 7th 1928 to his parents Frank and Helen in Bay City, Michigan where he would learn from an early age the inherent value of difficult work and being raised in a loving environment. On October 7th 1950, he wed his beautiful bride, Geraldine M. who survives him after 60 joyous and devout years to one another. Geraldine was the light and love of his life. Jim was the most tender, supportive, and dedicated father of Mary Jo (Bill Boyer) and Anne (John Campau). To him, his daughters were the greatest blessings from God and no one provided him more joy. To his six treasures, his grandchildren: Jimmy (Stacy), Michael, and Thomas Devine and Elizabeth, Joseph, and Jenny White, Mr. Walker was "Popups." His boundless love also extended to his nieces and nephews that held a most special place in his heart. Mr. Walker's engaging and personal demeanor provided him the great honor to call most of Jackson friends; and he is survived by the most special of them: Edwin Griffin, Adam Wilbee, Joe and Marcia White, Pamela Pond, Don and Eileen Falk, Jerry and Syreta Earl, Mary Ann DesNoyer, Sandra Craft. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his dotting Aunt Mary, his sisters: Germaine Tithof, Bernadine Stark, and brother Fred Walker, father-in-law George Rynalski and dear friends: Tom Devine, Sean Daly, Robert and Elsie Lefere, Fr. Joseph Coyle O.S.F.S., Floyd Pond, Robert Craft, F.A. and Tiny Kennedy, Jim and Kay Winter, Robert and Marge Staggemeier. Above all else faith and family were most important to Jim. Mr. Walker dedicated his life to be the example of an unselfish journey in which he imparted to his family the lessons of a deep faith in God, devotion to family, perseverance through trials, the rewards of hard work, and the importance of education. His unwavering encouragement and support system were at the root of all his family's successes. Service to those in need was a passion of Mr. Walker's entire life. His altruistic nature is illustrated through his gifts of time and talent to his country, for whom he served in the Korean War, and to his community through his parish, Queen of the Miraculous Medal, the Jackson Interfaith Shelter, Boy Scouts of America, the John George Home, and numerous other charities and organizations that shared his mission. An ardent supporter of Catholic education, Mr. Walker was a most active and loyal confidant to Fr. Coyle as he embarked to build Lumen Christi Catholic High School.

Jim served the business community with his brilliant financial mind as a Board Member of the National Bank of Jackson (Executive Committee), Comerica Bank and Citizens Bank. He was also President of the Michigan Distributors and Vendors Association and had a positive influence on a myriad of other business institutions. For decades he attended daily 6:45am Mass at Queen of the Miraculous Medal before he went tirelessly to work. He was the founder and President of Jackson Tobacco and Candy Co. (Schiller Inc) and the J.F. Walker Company where he employed hundreds of young men and women of the Jackson community. Mr. Walker was Chairman of the Board of Comtronics and Silver Foam Distributing Co., where he has invested his time and talents for the last 12 and 32 years respectively. Even after his achievements and generosity, Mr. Walker remained true to himself: a quiet man who worked in quiet ways. As a family, we wish to extend most heart-felt gratitude to Dr. Edurese, Dr. Lynn VanWagnen, special pal Georgia Fojtasek, and the entire staff at Allegiance Health for their profound care and love shown to James and his family.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday at 1:00 PM at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church. Interment St. John's Cemetery. His dear friend, Father Tim MacDonald will officiate.

The family will receive friends at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Thursday from 5 to 8 PM and Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM. Rosary Friday 3 PM with his dear friend, Father John Kettleberger, C.M. officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are asked to be directed to Lumen Christi Catholic High School, or the Jackson Interfaith Shelter, to continue his legacy of service.

Desnoyer Funeral Home--Family owned for 121 years