James Edward Walker Sr.

Chris Hartle 4:36 PM (0 minutes ago) To view the livestream service for James Walker Sr on February 3, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. please follow this link: https://vimeo.com/507761834 Password: Walker147 (Case sensitive) Obituary James Edward Walker Sr. On Tuesday morning, January 21, 2021, our beloved James Edward Walker Sr. (82) GySgt USMC (Ret.) passed away at Inland Valley Hospital in Murrieta, California, received his final orders and reported to the kingdom of heaven. James Sr. was born on April 29, 1938 in Bamberg, South Carolina, the Son of Wilmer Walker and Mary Ruth (Elmore) Walker. He left Simon Gratz High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the age of 17 years old in 1956 and join the U. S. Marine Corps and attended boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. Shortly after graduation from boot camp, James Sr. was stationed at 1st Battalion, 8th Marines Regiment and took part in the participated in the landings in Lebanon, July-September 1958. Later he transferred 2nd Battalion 6th Marines Regiment, Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) Quantico, Virginia, and served two combat tours in the Republic of Vietnam. Additionally, James also was stationed at VMA-533/MAG-24 – MCAS Cherry Point, NC, H & HSquadron – MCAS Yuma, AZ, and his final active-duty unit, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314). James Sr. MOS’s were Machine Gunner, Motor Transport Mechanic, A/C Maintenance GSE Power Plant Mechanic, and Aviation Ordnance Technician. He also served on various Navy ships on Sea Duty, and took part in various deployment during his 20-year military career (1956-1976). GySgt James Walker’s military awards are Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal (1*), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/palm, Good Conduct Medal (4*), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device 1960 (1*), Vietnam Service Medal w/EGA (1*), Presidential Unit Citation ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon, French Fourragere, and Meritorious Mast. James Sr. relocated Los Angeles, California in 1976, after retirement from the Marine Corps. He began working as an auto mechanic in Inglewood, CA, then worked a Government Civil Service worker at Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station in Long Beach Ca, and finally retired from working and began to enjoy his life. James Sr. attended Church at Saint Rest Baptist Church in Los Angeles, CA, was a Deacon at the church and sang in the Senior Choir. He was also a Scottish Rite Free Master Mason. James Sr. is survived by his Wife, Carmelita Walker, Sisters, Betty (Walker) Wilson, Ernestine Walker, Margaret (Walker) Jones, Dorothy Worthy, Brothers Bobby Walker and Carlos Walker, all of Philadelphia, PA; three Sons and Daughter, James Walker Jr of Murrieta, CA; Michael Walker of Philadelphia, PA; Lisa Walker of Norristown, PA; and Travis Walker of Philadelphia, PA; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends who loved him very much. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ruth (Elmore) Walker; father, Wilmer Walker; and daughter, Sharon Lynore Walker. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anoints my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Palms 23, verse 1-6) Submitted with Love, The Family Eulogy James Edward Walker Sr James Sr. lived peaceful long life and he enjoyed most of all things, earning the title of United States Marine. James Sr. was a great Father and Grandfather; he was the kind of man that would do anything for his family and friends, who would stand by when you needed someone to be there. He gave great advice to not only his relatives, but to friends and people he met in the military, at work, or in church. His wife, Carmelita Walker was the love of his life! I remember one time when we lived with our Father in Yuma, Arizona 1968, it was a very bad thunderstorm outside and we were in base housing (Father was stationed there) and we heard a very loud thunder boom, the lights went out, and all four of us ran in the bedroom under one of the beds, scared and crying. Our sister Sharon (since she was the oldest) took charge and calmed us down, until our Father came home from work. Soon as the door opened, we all ran to him and began holding him and was so happy he returned. There was a time when my sister and I was walking home from school, and I was on the inside of the sidewalk, and my sister was near the street. My Father saw this, yelled at me to come here in a Drill Instructor voice. I ran to him, he grabbed me by the stack and swivel (the neck), took me in the house and gave me one of the worst spanking I ever had and said “always put your sister on the inside of the sidewalk and you walk near the street, you have to protect her when walking”. From that day forward, any woman walking with me always walked inside of the sidewalk! What is it that we remember when we think of James Sr? He was very funny at times and had a sense of humor. He would tell me funny stories about when he was growing up on Page Street in North Philly, how he and my Grandfather would have long talks about life, and how his Father gave him advice on what he should do, when dealing with different situations. He would tell me stories about his military career; he once said while in Beirut, Lebanon 1958, he was captured by Lebanese military gorillas and a Marine Gunnery Sergeant who fought in WWII saved him. He served his country with pride and honor; the Marine Corps was everything to him and gave him many opportunities. There were other stories he told me about his combat tours as well. He also played basketball for the Marine Corps team at MCB Quantico, Virginia. James Sr’s death was unexpected, since I saw him two and a half weeks ago. He was full of life, laughing and in good health when I went back to Japan. I remember when I heard the news, I simply could not believe it, I just talked to him last week? James Sr. did indeed live his life wonderfully and the way James Sr. wanted to. He was well-loved and he accomplished many things on earth and I am sure he’ll do much more in heaven. I am forever grateful to have James Sr. as my Father. All the memories our family have shared with him will forever be cherished and remembered. James Sr. will be forever in my heart… In our hearts. James Sr. is in heaven now with our Grandmother, Grandfather, Mother, Daughter and Granddaughter. This is not the time for us to grieve his passing, but it’s our time to celebrate his life. Don’t ever forget James Sr. He never wanted to see people cry. So, at this moment when we are attending his funeral, let’s think back and remember how James Sr. touched our lives. This is not the moment to shed our tears, but we should all be thankful that we were given a chance to know a man, a Father, a Marine named James Sr. GySgt James E Walker Sr., you stand relieved, and the Angel lifted him gently and as he closed his eyes, he heard the vow that gave him peace “rest warrior I will stand your watch!”