Services for James “Jim” Walker
James “Jim” Walker, 99, of Bagley, Minnesota died on Friday, January 3, 2020 at the Cornerstone Senior Care Assisted Living Facility.
Per Jim’s wishes there will be no formal funeral, flowers, etc. However, please join the family for coffee, cookies and a little “conversation” at the table. Reva’s “Round Table” isn’t big enough to accommodate Jim’s family & friends. So, a time of reminiscing will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2020 from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Bagley American Legion Auditorium. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley assisted the family with arrangements.
James Joseph Walker was born on November 19, 1920 in Blue Earth, Minnesota, the son of Lewis and Bessie (Dunn) Walker. Bessie died when Jim was a toddler and his father married Mae Rendall who was the only mother Jim ever knew.
Jim entered the Navy on April 22, 1942 and served in WWII on the U.S.S. Kangaroo IX-121 as a boatswain’s mate second class. He was honorably discharged on December 15, 1946 receiving the Asiatic Pacific Medal, American Area Medal, African European Medal with 1 Star, Good Conduct Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. Jim was very proud of his military service. Jim married Nevina (Johnson) on June 16, 1945 in California. Together they had 5 children Larry, Bradley, Bruce, Janie, and Jo. They lived most of their life in Bagley, MN. Nevina passed away on December 6, 2017.
Jim not only was well known for the things he built out of iron, but he was made of iron. He was a strong independent, proud, hardworking man. He was best known for his welding skills on and off the pipeline. He could create, fix, and make anything out of iron. When he wasn’t working on the road with the pipeline, he ran his own blacksmith shop building many unique things. Jim had many hobbies, one was “working”!! So, when not on the job, he relaxed by working! He enjoyed motorcycles, and bicycles, in fact he rode his pedal bike until he was 98 years old. He got a thrill out of trapshooting with his buddy Bob Lawrence and grand-daughter Aricka. He took pride in reloading his own shells, collecting guns, knives, and traveling to gun shows with his dear friend Duffy Norlander. In 2017, his grandson Dustin and great-grandson Kyle took him to the gravel pit for a “Round” of shooting clay pigeons. Jim had just recovered from a crushed hand and he still out shot both of them, even when they combined their clay pigeons together. He took joy in cutting firewood until 2016. When he no longer welded, he took interest in making birdfeeders, bluebird houses and diamond willow canes. Making his trips out to “the Ranch” to see what his son was doing on the farm was always a delight.
He was “certified” in charge of replacing the chairs before the morning rush at the D & R Café. “Story” has it he was the “Ring-leader” of the table of knowledge. Enjoying a good political argument over a cup of coffee, and think about this “what if there were no NRA?” (by the way he was a REPUBLICIAN.)
Jim lived an independent life until December 5, 2019 when he moved to the Cornerstone Senior Care Assisted Living Facility, along with care from the Clearwater County Hospice Staff, where he lived until his passing. Jim drove his own car, and took the stairs, never the elevator, until just 1 month shy of his 99th birthday. Jim said, “I lived a good life, a long life.” And that he did. Jim was very proud of children and grandchildren, he treasured their visits and was always up to tell a story or two.
He is survived by his 3 sons- Larry (Louise) Walker
Bradley (Marcia) Walker
Bruce (Debbie) Walker
2 daughters- Janie (John) Jordahl
Jo (Tim) Aery
Daughter-in-law- Jackie Rogers
14-grandchildren, 34-great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren
1 brother- Alton (Adeline) Walker
1 sister- Delores “Toots” Saul
Numerous nieces and nephews
“The Guys” at the round table, owner and staff and the D & R Café, and his “Fish”
He was preceded in death by his parents; son-Leslie Duane; siblings-Chuck, Hazel, Camilla, Peggy, Opal, and O’donna along with their spouses; 2 great grandsons- Chaz Andrew Walker, and Lane Leslie Egland.
Messages of condolence may be sent to ceasefuneralhome.com
