James Edward Walker Sr. affectionately known by his family and close friends as Peach, was born on November 5, 1958, in Ocilla, Georgia, to the union of Willmon and Eula Mae Walker. James was the third child in a family of four. He and his siblings were remarkably close. He was very protective of them.
One brother and one sister made their transition preceding James. He and his late mother were very close. He admired his mother for taking in kids who had lost their way. He often thought of his dear mother as a gentle kind soul for her act of kindness.
As a youngster James would often speak of the fond memories he would have with his grandfather, listening attentively to baseball games on the radio while his grandfather explained every facet of the game to him.
James entered kindergarten at Industrial Elem School. Shortly thereafter, in 1965 his family moved to Miami Dade county. He attended Edison Park Elem. for grades 1 & 2, Allapattah Elem. grades 3-5, Allapattah Jr. High, grades 6-8, and Robert E. Lee Jr. High grade 9.
He attended Miami Jackson Sr. High School. Entering high school was an exciting time for James. He became interested in wrestling and joined the wrestling team. He was involved in numerous tournaments, winning quite a few. James wanted to travel when he finished high school. One of his teachers approached him about joining the military, with prospects of travel, This made his decision to join easy, but he later became reluctant. In 1975, he met a girl, his childhood sweetheart. He told his friends he was awe struck when he saw her standing in front of a popular restaurant, he and his buddies frequented during school lunchtime. Overcoming his shyness at that very moment, he walked over and asked her for her number, and a courtship began. James graduated high school on June 11, 1976.
Sergeant James Walker’s place of entry into active duty started in AFEES, Coral Gables Florida, June 2, 1977. Due to his deployment in the military, his courtship with Rosalind was brief. They both tried to make it work by writing and visiting every chance he was allowed on leave to the “states,” but distance made it difficult. Over the course of his 21-year military career, he was fortunate to travel the world.
Stemming from one of his favorite scriptures (A wise man will hear, and will increase his learning, Proverbs 1:5), James was pushed forward to improve his skills while in the Army. He took courses at Belleville Area College in Missouri where he was stationed. This led to a career promotion and ultimately RECRUITING OFFICER for the United States Army. Throughout his career, SFC Walker organized and conducted training for over 450 Army Recruiters covering two states, Missouri and Illinois. He was selected as Top Senior Trainer for St. Louis Recruiting Battalion.
Various decorations, Medals, Badges, and campaign Medals/ribbons received throughout his military career include…
MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL, ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL, ARMY ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL, ARMY GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL, NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER’S PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT RIBBON, ARMY SERVICE RIBBON, OVERSEAS SERVICE RIBBON, M16 EXPERT MARKSMANSHIP QUALIFICATION BADGE WITH RIFLE & HAND GRENADE QUALIFICATION BAR, DRIVER AND MECHANIC BADGE, ARMY GOLD RECRUITER BADGE WITH 3 SAPPHIRE ACHIEVMENT STARS & the ARMY RECRUITER RING.
James married while in the military and from this union, 2 children were born, Darnesha and James, Jr. They were the apple of his eye. He doted on them constantly. He often boasted about his kids to everyone he met.
James Retired honorably from the United States Army on June 30, 1999, and began his civilian life.
In February of 2000 he became employed with Delta Airlines in Atlanta Georgia. Shortly thereafter, he was transferred to Miami. He continued working for the airline in Reservations until being offered full retirement from the company in 2005.
He reunited with his childhood sweetheart (Rosalind) in 2002 and started where they both left off many years ago. Being inseparable, they married on Oct. 11, 2011. He often joked and would say his story mimicked that of Laban’s because he too had waited a long time to marry the love of his life.
Missing the joy of travel during his time in the military, he began a life of cruising on the high seas.
On December 27, 2005, James became employed with the Brevard County School Board as a Substitute Teacher and coach. Destined to focus more on Ministry, he retired fully in June of 2019.
James’ Christian journey started at an early age. He and his family became members of Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Miami Fla, in 1969. James became a member of the Jr. Usher Board.
After enlisting, he involved himself with a local church on Base. He joined the Men’s choir and took to singing quite quickly. One of his favorite spiritual hymns was “His Eyes is on the Sparrow.” He joined and visited various churches wherever he was stationed. James always felt the need to be involved in a “word” church. This was especially important to him.
In 2007 Bro. became a member of New Shiloh Christian Center. He joined the Usher Board#2, Men’s Choir, Sr. Choir which he also conducted, Co-taught the New Members classes, and MC’ed the yearly “Men Who Cook” events.
After completing Minister’s training at New Shiloh Christian Center, Bro. James was ordained a Minister by our very own Bishop Jacquelyn Gordon in 2020.
Minister James kept a smile, no matter what his mood. He enjoyed making his family and friends laugh. He’d tell people, “I make my wife laugh all the time and she have no sense of humor. So, if I can make her laugh, I know I’m funny.”
Minister James fell ill on July 8, 2023. He began his fight to battle complications due to the illness. He fought a good fight, never complaining and faithful to God’s word throughout. On July 9, James looked at his wife as if to say, “Honey, I have to go now,” and on the morning of July 10, 2024. Minister James passed away and went from labor to reward with his wife by his side.
He leaves to cherish his memory, the love of his life, Rosalind Renee’ Walker, his daughter Darnesha ShaNelle Thompson (Vernon), of Killeen Texas, his son James (Jun-Jun) Walker Jr., of Atlanta GA, his sister, Shirley Dianne Walker (Edward), of Miami FL, 3 aunts, Irma Day of Miramar FL, Ernestine Hill (Bennie aka pop), of Miami FL., Pamela Ringer, of Miami FL., 2 grandsons, Kaliel, and Jonathan Jr., 7 granddaughters, Khiya, Ava, Auna, Nova, Iyla, Cali, and Kelsie, 1 great-grandson, Jayce, 1 great-niece, Isabella aka Bella, 2 step-children, Melvin (Alex) Copeland (Annetta), of Atlanta GA, Kayla Chenay Rodriguez (Jonathan) of Deland FL.,
A host of nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins and dear friends.
“Be strong, this journey we all must take. If you cry, don’t cry long, for I am with the Father, singing my song.”
A visitation for James will be held Sunday, July 21, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at New Shiloh Christian Center, 3900 Sarno Rd, Melbourne, FL 32934. A funeral service will occur Sunday, July 21, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, 3900 Sarno Rd, Melbourne, FL 32934. A committal service will occur Sunday, July 21, 2024 at 5:00 PM at Florida Memorial Gardens, 5950 US-1, Rockledge, FL 32955.
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