WEST POINT — SSG James Henry Walker, U.S. Army, retired, and the son of the late James and Gertrude (Palmer) Walker was born August 10, 1946 in West Point, Ga. James was called to his heavenly home on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at EAMC-Lanier Hospital in Valley.

At an early age, James accepted Christ and joined the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Lanett, Ala. under the leadership of the Rev. C. R. Sheridan.

“Turk”, as he was called by many, was a 1964 graduate of Lanier High School, where he was a standout athlete in all sports. After high school, James enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his tenure of service he served in the Vietnam War, and toured Germany, Hawaii and several states in the U.S. During his time in the military, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Marksman, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon. On December 14, 1981, James retired from the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged.

After his retirement from the military, James returned home and was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier and later as a mail room supervisor for West Point Stevens, Corp.

James was an avid auto mechanic. He had a passion for race car driving in which he received several trophies. He would often be found working in his shop or at the drag strip racing his car.

James was preceded in death by three brothers, Hiram Stanley Walker, John Otis Walker and Jimmy Lamar Walker.

James’ memories will forever be engraved in the hearts of his loved ones: a daughter, Andrea Walker, Lanett; a son, Andre’ (Prisscilla) Walker, Gatlinburg, Tenn,; two grandchildren, Kal-El Cochran, Lanett and Amajin Roberts, Suffolk, Va.; two brothers, Kerwin (Ingrid) Walker, Heidesheim, Germany, Anthony Walker, Valley; three sisters, Mary F. Huguley, West Point, Ga., Patricia (Phillip) Ferrell, Columbus, Ohio, Twanna Mitchell, Prattville, Ala.; one aunt, Sarah F. Reed, West Point, and an array of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services with full military honors for SSG James Henry Walker, U.S. Army, retired, will be held on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 1 p.m. EDT at the Bethlehem Baptist Church with the Dr. W. T. Edmondson, pastor, Rev. Leonard Autry, eulogist, Rev. Timothy Huguley, bishop K.C. Moore, Sr., Dr. Keith Moore, officiating. Interment will be follow in the Pine Hill Cemetery.

The remains will lie in state at the church on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 from noon until the service hour.

Please visit our website at  www.mwleemortuary.com to express online condolences. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to M.W. Lee Mortuary, West Point.