James Lafayette Walker

James Lafayette Walker age 92, of Jackson, TN, passed away on January 14, 2015 at Magnolia Village nursing home in Bowling Green, KY. Mr. Walker graduated high school in 1942 in Marietta, MS. He was a 1950 graduate of Union University where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He then went on to further his education earning a Master’s degree in School Administration from George Peabody Vanderbilt College in Nashville, TN. He received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Union University in 1971 for the improvements made to the Madison County School System.

Mr. Walker was employed for 34 years with the Madison County School system. He began his career in 1950 in Huntersville, TN serving as a grade school teacher and principal. From there he went on to serve four years as Principal at J.B. Young School. In 1956 he was appointed as the first Principal of South Side High School. A year later he was elected Superintendent of the Madison County School System, serving for 27 years.

Mr. Walker was a member of the National Teachers Association, Tennessee Education Association, West Tennessee Teachers Association, Madison County Teachers Association, American Association of School Administrators, and the Tennessee Association of School Boards. He was a former President of the Tennessee Association of School Administrators, member of the board of the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents representing the Southwest District, and a former member of the State Advisory of Future Homemakers of America.

He served 27 years on the Jackson Madison County Board of Health. He was a former member of the Board of Trustees of Union University and a member of the Madison County Library Board. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and the Jackson Exchange Club receiving a lifetime membership and elected Mr. Exchangite in 1995.

He was a member of First Baptist Church since 1949. He served as an active Deacon, past Chairman of the Board of Deacons, and was a Deacon Emeritus.

Mr. Walker enlisted in active military service in 1942 as a Seaman Recruit in the U.S. Navy. In 1946 he joined the U.S. Naval Reserves retiring in 1982 having achieved the rank of Captain.

Mr. Walker is preceded in death by his parents Audie and Alva Walker, sister Ruby McEwen, brother Robert Walker, brother Lamar Walker, and his loving wife Bettye Blankenship Walker who passed away in 1993.

He is survived by his son, Dr. Richard Walker of Houston, TX, a daughter Teresa (Rick) Wilson of Bowling Green, KY, a granddaughter Amanda Wilson, a grandson Neal Wilson, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the Walker Family will be on Friday, January 16, 2015 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel in Jackson, TN. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Jackson, TN with the Reverend Justin Wainscott officiating. Burial will follow at Ridgecrest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made in memory of James L. Walker to either First Baptist Church, 1627 North Highland Avenue, Jackson, TN 38301 or the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, PO Box 447, Jackson, TN 38302.