James "Jim" Walker

James “Jim” Lockhart Walker, 75, of Halifax, died January 8, 2025.

He was born on May 29th, 1949, to Harley Walker and Dorothy (Palmeter) Walker in Brantford ON, but grew up from age 8 in Milton, Queen’s County. He is survived by his wife, Sharon (Stephenson) and children, Katie (Toronto), Matthew (Sara) (Halifax), and Jessica (Toronto), sister, Sandy Brown (Western Head), brother-in-law, Brian Girling (Wileville), and granddaughters, Evelynn and Vivian. Jim was preceded in death by both parents, his brother, Gerry (Western Head) and his sister, Barbara Girling (Wileville).

Throughout his life, he maintained close contact with his family in Milton and loved returning for visits and family gatherings and showing his children and grandchildren the places he enjoyed as a child.

Jim trained as an electronic technologist at NSCC in 1970-71. He then went on to work at Maritime Tel & Tel until early retirement in 1997. Afterward, he spent time applying the same skills in the United States, before returning home to work as a Rental Agent for the Pad Picker and Supply and Services Coordinator for The Physioclinic.

Jim had a lifelong passion for technology. He took great interest in computer and telephone advances, and was often known to assist family and friends with these matters.

The greatest throughline in Jim’s life was his love of basketball. He discovered the sport in grade six and went on to play for his Junior and Senior High School teams in Liverpool, before moving to Halifax. He had a real passion for the game, and was forever seeking opportunities to play both competitively and recreationally. Whenever possible, he made a priority of attending ‘Noon Hoops’ at Dalplex and was known to encourage younger players on how to improve their game.

Once he had his own children, Jim became dedicated to their participation in basketball. Through their enrollment in Halifax Minor Basketball, Jim stepped forward to become president and contributed significantly to the growth of the league. In addition, he trained as a referee, and did stats for university games, the Windjammers, and the Rainmen. Every March, he looked forward to working the stats table at the AUS and CIS basketball championships in Halifax.

One of Jim’s most enduring legacies will be the Metro Grand Masters Basketball league. In 1987, he and his good friend, John Cassidy, saw the need for a league where 35+ and later 45+ men would feel welcome to come, improve their skills, make new friends, and hopefully not get too banged up in the process, all in the atmosphere of good sportsmanship.

Jim loved physical activity. While nothing could outshine his love of basketball, as an adult he swam; ran recreationally; competed in several marathons; as well as a couple of local triathlons. Later in life, he turned to biking daily as his main activity when chronic foot issues restricted participation in basketball. Throughout his 60s, Jim also enjoyed exploring nature and the urban environment through geocaching.

Through his example, Jim instilled a love of physical activity in his kids and grandkids. Most recently he enjoyed taking his granddaughters swimming; to the playground; and for bike and scooter rides. Spending time with Evelynn and Vivian was one of the great joys of his final years.

Jim’s Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 17th, 2025 at 2pm at Cruikshank's Funeral Home 2666 Windsor St, Halifax, NS B3K 5C9.

Memorials or donations may be made to:

https://www.heartandstroke.ca/

https://www.diabetes.ca/donate

https://donate.salvationarmy.ca/