James Paul Walker

James Paul Walker, 86, passed peacefully in his sleep on October 26, 2023.

Born June 5, 1937 in St. John, Kansas to parents, Paul and Ann Walker, Jim, was the oldest of four children. He along with his three siblings, Bill, Joe and Sharon grew up in Duluth, Minnesota. He attended and graduated from Denfeld High School in Duluth in June of 1957. In July of 1958, Jim was called to serve in the National Guard, which he did for a short time, enjoying the buddy system that allowed him to serve with his best friend Larry.

During high school Jim met the love of his life, Mary, marrying her in November of 1959, just a few months after she too graduated from Denfeld High School. Longing for a new start, far from the frigid cold shores of Lake Superior, Jim and Mary headed west settling in Culver City, California.

Landing a job with the gas company, Jim and Mary enjoyed life together for 5 years before starting their family. After the arrivals of Michael and Wayne, Jim attended night classes at Santa Monica City College, East Los Angeles College, and Los Angeles Trade - Technical College where he learned the skill of welding. He would eventually go on to hire into the Department of Water & Power for the city of Los Angeles where he would spend the remainder of his career, retiring in 1995 from his position as the Welding Supervisor.

As a father with two young boys, Jim stayed actively involved coaching their baseball teams and enjoyed many camping adventures. Jim loved to travel! Once Mary retired, they spent many weeks each year traveling around the United States pulling their trailer and enjoying the beautiful wonders each state had to offer. When not on the road, Jim spent most Friday's helping babysit all five grandchildren. As they grew, he could be found on the sidelines of the fields cheering on each grandchild in their chosen sport. At home, he could often be found tinkering in the garage, on his cars or in his trailer. Jim spent several of his last years caring for Mary before her passing in 2020.

Jim is survived by his son's Michael (Karrie) Walker, Wayne (Jan) Walker, his beloved grandchildren, Becca (Dillon) Sanders, Joe (Sarah) Walker, Casie (Alex) Sorenson, Rachel (Bradley) Hoffrichter, and John Walker, as well as five great-grandchildren, Karsynn Sanders, Charlotte Walker, Kaden Sanders, Gino Walker, and Harlie Hoffrichter, several in-laws, nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by, Mary, his loving wife of 60 years, and brothers Joseph and Billy.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401