Obituary of James Robert Walker

After a well-lived life, Jim was welcomed home by his Creator.

Jim was born 91 years ago on the south bank of the muddy Thames River in old St Joseph’s hospital, Chatham. He died in the same building, in a quiet room with a view of the Thames, surrounded by family and the loving staff at Riverview Gardens.

He was known to most as “JR” and was the firstborn son of Dr. Ralph Hiram Walker (1986) and Mrs. Ruby (Crosbie) Walker (1995).

He was the faithful husband of Gwen (Seward) Walker who went ahead to heaven in 2013. He loved her dearly and from her death until his passing spoke only of wanting to be with her again.

He was a loving father to Brad (Susanne) Walker of Glencoe, Ken (Deb) Walker of Bright’s Grove, and Linda (Dan) Rossignol of Chatham. Dearest Grandpa of Stephanie (Evan) McCallum, Heather (Eric) Dehn, MacKenzie (Jesse) Macht, Haley Walker, Adam (Shawna) Rossignol and Peter Rossignol. Treasured Great-Grandpa to Taryn & Walker McCallum, Brycen, Zachary & Landyn Dehn, and Francis Macht.

 He is fondly remembered by his beloved brother Dr. George Walker of Chatham, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Theodore (1927) and sister Margaret (1944).

Jim loved numbers. He loved cards and strategy games that required one to be good at math. He excelled at chess. He followed the stock markets keenly and proudly managed his investments actively up until his final years.

He was famous for his pickled eggs, supper wasn’t supper unless mashed potatoes were served and lemon meringue pie was the only dessert that mattered. He was a Molson Ex man and a bottle of Crown Royal was always in the cupboard.

Jim started his career in banking, rising to Bank Manager with the Bank of Montreal before becoming a merchant in downtown Chatham as the owner of Burton’s Stationery Store. It was as an independent businessman that he found his true calling, guiding his business successfully through turbulent years and providing employment and quality “first job” opportunities to many young people in Chatham.

He will be interred a stones throw from the Thames River, at Mayhew-Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Thamesville, alongside Gwen and his parents on February 10, 2021. It will be a Private Family Service.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the health care professionals who helped JR out in his final years when age gradually robbed him of his independence. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Jim’s family asks that, if you feel the need to make a donation, please donate to your local food bank. We also ask that today, you pick up the phone and call someone and tell them you love them.

McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham (519-351-2040)