James Walker

James C. Walker, age 85, of Flushing, passed away on Wednesday, November 9, 2022. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 12PM at Sharp Funeral Home, 8138 Miller Road in Swartz Creek. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022 starting at 10AM until the time of the service at Sharp Funeral Home in Swartz Creek. Online condolences can be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James’s name to the Rivendell Institute, the ministry with which his daughter Tanya serves in Connecticut:  https://www.rivendellinstitute.org

James was born on August 14, 1937 in Flint, Michigan to Glenn and Marjorie Walker. As a boy he was active in the Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in 1952. He graduated from Clio High School class of 1955. After high school James served his country in the United States Navy, including as a naval photographer. He attended Eastern Michigan University and graduated with a BA in elementary education and an MA in special education. In 1964 he married Judy Pillow and they were blessed with two daughters, Tanya and Karen.  James taught special education in the Beecher School District for 35 years and retired in 1999. He was actively involved in Special Olympics with his students.

James enjoyed woodworking, golf, and attending trombone festivals. He tutored elementary students of Randall School in partnership with Hope United Methodist Church. He was actively involved in the United Methodist Men and received the John Wesley Award in 2012. James served as an EMT-S with Clio C&M Ambulance for many years. He also did volunteer work at the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic and Hurley Hospital Urgent Care/Outpatient Clinic.

James is survived by his wife of 58 years in marriage, Judy; his two daughters, Tanya Walker and Karen (Thun) LeuamChampassak; three granddaughters, Ruth, Marie, and Grace LeuamChampassak. He is further survived by his sister, Charmian Grimaldi, and other dear family members and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, William and brother-in-law, Luigi Grimaldi.