James W. Walker

February 11, 1940 - March 27, 2018

James W. Walker Grand Junction, Iowa Date of Death: March 27, 2018 Funeral services for James W. Walker, 78, of Grand Junction, IA will be held 2:00pm Friday, March 30, 2018 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson. Interment is at a later date at Gosport Cemetery, near Knoxville, IA. The family will visit with friends at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home on Friday from 12 noon until the time of the service. James (Jim) W. Walker passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at the age of 78. Jim was born February 11, 1940 to Lillian (Sanders) and Curtis L.R. Walker in Des Moines, IA. He was the fourth child of twelve. Jim attended Des Moines Tech and during this time, enlisted in the Army National Guard. Upon graduation he became a member of the Army, stationed in Hawaii (which he loved) and White Sands in New Mexico as a clerk. After six years of service, Jim returned to Des Moines in 1963. He started working in the cafeteria at Mercy Hospital where he met Barbara (Shives) who was a secretary for the Dieticians and Food Manager at the time. In Knoxville, on July 17, 1964, Jim and Barb were united in marriage and were together for 53 years. Jim was a hard working husband and father. At one time, he had a full time job at Fairplay Scoreboard and two part time security guard positions (at Fairgrounds and Equitable Building). After four and a half years, Jim left Fairplay and went to work as a Maintenance Supervisor at Massey Ferguson until their production plant closed. Jim was employed at American Can Company for three years before accepting an offer in Omaha at Lozier Corporation as a Maintenance Supervisor. Jim and Barb moved from Council Bluffs, IA to Grand Junction, IA after his acceptance of a position at WCI/Frigidaire. As a loving father, Jim enjoyed attending and participating in the activities of his children. Some of these were: assistant coach for Little League, football and baseball, East High wrestling booster club, Boy Scouts, basketball, and softball. In 1988, Jim's nephew, Mike, came to live with Jim and Barb and became very special to them. Jim was very active in their church in Des Moines. During his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. With his love of nature, Jim enjoyed the company of his pet companions and watching birds at his feeder. Those left to honor his memory include his wife: Barb; children: Todd (Kristy) Walker of Hancock, IA, Nicole Sage of Grand Junction, IA, nephew, Mike (Margaret) of Nevada, IA, ten grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren; brothers: Jack of Grand Junction, IA ; David of Phoenix, AZ; Don (Janice) of Des Moines, IA; and Edward(Ardella) of Des Moines, IA; sisters: Edith (Harold) Drake of Indianola, IA and Helen (Don) Baker of Des Moines, IA; many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mom, dad, brothers: Charles, Bob, and Gary, along with sisters: Joyce Hutchins and Betty Merical. In honor of Jim, memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Junction Swimming Pool, Grand Junction, IA. Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home www.sliningerschroeder.com 515-386-2171