Obituary of James Richard Walker

James Richard Walker, 87, of Melbourne Beach passed away on October 15, 2023 at Holmes Regional Medical Center. He was born in Griffin, GA, to the late James Preston and Macie (Strickland) Walker. 

James R. Walker was truly a southern gentleman. He was always thinking about how he could help other people. His gentle spirit and kindness will be remembered by all he met throughout his life. He was affectionately known as “Big Jim”, “Torso”, “Jimbo Limbo” and “Papa Jim”.

James R. Walker (Jim) enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Griffin High School in 1953. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal in May 1956. Jim served the majority of his active duty time overseas including Korea.  In September 1956 Jim transferred to the 6th Marine Corps Reserve and Recruitment District, and served as a Marine Reservist until September 1961.

Jim attended the University of Georgia, graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, and a minor in Accounting and Business Education. Jim worked in a variety of jobs for the next 40 years. He always took the opportunity to take more education courses and learn new skills. In the 1960’s he worked for American Airmotive Corp as a Materials Control Assistant and Personnel Director; National Airlines as a Reservation Agent Assistant and FAA Certified Aircraft Dispatcher; and the United States Treasury as an Intelligence Special Agent for two years. Beginning in 1971 the remainder of his career was centered in Dade County Florida. Jim was a certified teacher in both Vocational and Business Education and worked for Dade County Schools from 1971-1977. He became a Dade County Public Safety Officer in 1978 then transferred to Dade County Transportation Bus Information and Operation from 1979-1984. When the new Dade County Metrorail began service in 1984, Jim again took the opportunity to advance his skills completing courses from April through November to become certified as a Rail Vehicle Electrician/ technician in Communications. Jim worked in this position on the Metrorail Transportation System for 15 years from 1984 until his retirement in 1999.

Jim was very athletic and played on both baseball and football teams throughout high school and college. He also had the opportunity to briefly play semi-pro baseball. Jim loved all sports and was a big Miami Dolphin fan. Jim really enjoyed his Metrorail assignment close to the arena where the Miami Heat played and was also a big fan. And of course, he always cheered on his University of Georgia Bulldogs!

Jim is the father of five children: Debra, Darlene and Rachel Walker from his first marriage to Mary Alice Walker, also adopting her son Richard (predeceased). Jim learned later in life that he was the biological father of Suzanne Portwood and met her and her family in 1992. Jim had a recent visit in June with his daughter Debby and his grand-daughters Becky and Lexi along with his great-grandchildren Ryan, Charlie, Addison, Terrance III, and Nova. Jim recently learned of the passing of his sister Betty this year.

Jim met his beloved life partner of 45 years, Jane Stark, in 1978 in Miami, Florida. Their common interest in all sports made for exciting weekends and marathon sports viewing days with friends and family. Jim relocated to his home in Melbourne Beach, Florida in 1999 after retiring from Metrorail. “Papa Jim” was the beloved stepfather of Jane’s four children, Susan, Steven, Scott and Seth (predeceased). Jim and Jane truly enjoyed cheering on their grandchildren at baseball and soccer games in Melbourne Beach over the years. In addition to their four grandchildren: Megan, Kyle, Kimberly and Kendall, Nana and Papa have enjoyed the addition of six great-grandchildren to their family:  Zayden, Rylan, Arya, Daenerys, Adeline Jane, and Khaleesi. There are so many memories of family gatherings at Nana and Papa’s house over the years that will stay in our hearts forever.

Celebration of Life will be held at the Melbourne Beach Community Center, 509 Ocean Ave., Melbourne Beach on Saturday, November 25, 2023 from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., with military honors starting at 2:30 p.m. and will be accorded by the United States Marine Corps funeral honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shining Through Shadows, Inc., a nonprofit organization established in memory of Jim’s stepson Seth Thomas Stark in 2012, providing a scholarship for local adult education students. Website: www.shiningthroughshadows.org