James Walton

James O. Walton, 'Jim' to all who knew him, passed away on Sunday, June 6, 2010 at the age of 89 at Magnolia Terrace, Galion, OH. He is now at peace with his Lord, having been baptized on May 8, 2010. The eldest son of Leonard J. and Nell Wilson Walton, he was born in Fort Wayne, IND on August 4, 1920. After the family moved to Dunkirk, he graduated from Dunkirk-Dola High School in 1939, where he met the love of his life, Becky. Following business studies at Bliss College in Columbus, OH, Jim worked for Marathon Oil in Mount Pleasant, MI. When World War II broke out, he signed up immediately to serve his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After the war was over, he came home and proposed to Becky. They were married on December 16, 1945, and Jim returned to work with Marathon Oil in Reed City, MI, where both their children were born. Jim's work moved the family to Findlay, OH, and Detroit, MI, and it took him to the oil fields of Libya. Later Jim and Becky enjoyed stints abroad for Marathon in London, England, and Dublin, Ireland. Jim and Becky retired to Mansfield, OH in 1979 to help care for his mother. Jim thoroughly enjoyed more than 30 years in retirement, doing what he loved: cooking, watching TV, and using his computer to follow the stock market. He was also a skilled photographer and a good writer, producing an extensive visual account of family life and travels, along with his autobiography. Jim and Becky celebrated over 62 years of marriage before Becky's passing in 2008. Jim spent his last days in the care of the wonderful staff at Magnolia Terrace. He is survived by daughter Linda, of Portland, OR; son Stephen and daughter-in-law, Jan, of Midland, MI; brother Gene Walton and sister-in-law Carol Kasper Walton of Canton, OH; granddaughters, Anna, Laura, and Miranda; and many friends. Calling hours will be held at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Home, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd, Mansfield, on Wednesday, June 9, 2010, from 7-9 p.m. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 10 at Main Street United Methodist Church, 230 S. Main Street, Mansfield, OH conducted by Pastor Doug Lewis. Private interment to follow in Eagle Creek Cemetery. Remembrances to Main Street United Methodist Church and the OSU School of Nursing.