James Michael Walker

Born in Renton, Washington and died unexpectedly after a sudden illness in Mount Dora, Florida, where he made his home for many years with his life partner, Harry Kelsey Jr.

Raised in Bothell, Washington, Jim graduated from Bothell High School in 1966 where he was active in the arts, going on to graduate from Washington State University with a Bachelor in Fine Arts. He then attended California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, California, a noted training ground for art professionals. He obtained a Masters of Fine Arts in San Miguel De Allende Mexico, becoming fluent in Spanish and making many friends from American expatriates to Mayan children. Jim funded his education through many jobs including working in the Parks on his family's beloved Whidbey Island, fishing in Alaska, carving three-dimensional "native" art for sale in Seattle and other arts-related enterprises. As a self-taught cook, he was Cook at a Christian Science retirement home near Portland, Oregon and a pastry chef in several Key West, Florida restaurants.

An accomplished oil painter and potter Jim was a Master Gardener and also loved animals. His Florida home had two beloved purebred dogs Ming and Ping, Mandy the cockatoo, Koi ponds and fish tanks and a collection of orchids and other exotic plants in a lush garden. His paintings were oversize canvasses of nature at its most colorful, expressing Jim's core philosophy of "One Big Love".

A flamboyant lover of life in the studio, kitchen and garden, Jim shared his knowledge of the natural and supernatural with all who would listen with their heart and reminded us always that “Spirit lives forever".

James left behind Sister Peggy Walker, Brothers Robert Walker, John Walker, Step Sisters Ellen Robinson, Sara Synder, Step Brothers Douglas Creger and Chet Creger, their wives, husbands, a beloved Auntie, Nieces, Cousins, longstanding friends and roommates and innumerable people he met through his travel, touching many with his kindness and humor. Jim was a beautiful person and one of a kind. He is deeply missed by many.

A celebration of his life will be held in the Greater Seattle area with further details to be announced at www.AcaciaFuneralHome.com, Please check back for the times and dates.

Thank you for your remembrances of this gentle man we were blessed to call "ours".

--The Walker-Creger Family

Arrangements under the direction of Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Seattle, Washington.