John Thomas Walker II

John Thomas Walker II (Tom) passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025, surrounded by his children’s love. Born on November 9, 1943, in Wheeling, WV, he was a proud Buckeye, an inventor and connector, and a man of boundless curiosity and conviction.

Tom’s early years were shaped by his time as a page for Senator John Bricker and by life on his parents' (John and Sally Walker's) dairy farm in St. Clairsville, Ohio, where he was guided by the kindness and moral strength of community members John Bolton and Bertha Harris. He adored his big sister Sally Ann (Mark) Haase, and always admired her soft heart for cows and all God's creatures. His fascination with rockets, radios, and science became lifelong passions. He graduated from Ohio State University and married Barbara Jo Lemessurier.

A leader in technology and economic development, Tom served as Director of the Ohio Development Financing Corporation under Governor Rhodes, worked as a venture capitalist for the Ohio Company, and held key roles at the National Institute of Science and Technology and the University of Arkansas Little Rock’s Nanotechnology Institute. He also advised the National Technology Transfer Center in support of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency.

Tom’s impact on public access to information was profound. He computerized the government information needed by consumers by building FedWorld, revolutionizing how the public could access federal records. For his contributions, he was honored with an award from the federal government, recognizing his commitment to innovation and transparency. As his friends would say, he did all of this and still had eight hours a day to think about Ohio State football.

An avid glider pilot, sailor, amateur radio operator, marksman, astronomer, and physicist, Tom approached every pursuit with enthusiasm and precision. He lived by his Uncle Jack McElroy’s wisdom: “Give back more than you take.” His curiosity, charm, and faith in God—the God he felt when witnessing a delayed choice quantum eraser experiment—defined his life.

Tom had a remarkable ability to cultivate friendships, and he cherished his connections with many, including Madhu Asar, Jim Myers, Bruce Gilbert, and Ed Haile. Tom is survived by his son Michael (Sarah) Walker, daughter Hillary (Josh) Bates, and grandchildren Graham, Owen, Jillian, and Jack. He was so very proud of his children and grandchildren, and reiterating those feelings were the last thoughts on his mind. He was a beloved uncle to Chris (Ineke) Haase and Jessie (Collin) Ruckel.

Honoring Tom’s wishes, a celebration of his life will be planned for this summer.