James Adam (Jim) Walker, 22, died on November 17, 2018, at his home in Jupiter, Florida, surrounded by his loving family. His stoic bravery throughout his three-year battle with brain cancer is a legacy that will forever inspire and challenge all who knew him.
Jim was born on July 16, 1996, in Tequesta, Florida. He graduated from The Pine School, where he played varsity basketball. He loved basketball and he loved music, but his passion was modifying cars. Each car he modified had a unique style, but all included big rims, maximized horsepower, and a thumping sub-woofer. He expressed both his dry wit and his strongly held values through his tattoos, including a beautiful sleeve expressing his commitment to “family over everything” depicting a flower representing each family member.
James is survived by his loving father, Steve Walker, who never left his side during the long fight with cancer. He was well-loved by his mom, Pam Mac’Kie Walker; by his brothers, John Patrick Walker (Fiona) and Jack Mac’Kie; and by his devoted sister, Annie Mac’Kie (Vinny Caldwell). His family includes Joe Holzum, a faithful friend and true brother. He was adored by his aunts, Cindy Walker, Kathy Frost, Carol Moss, and Joanne Miner (Steve); and he loved to laugh with his Uncle, David Walker (Rachel). He is survived by his birth mother, Sharon Doyle; his grandparents, Charles and Jo Spell; his Uncle Steve Spell (Stephanie); nephews, Griffin and Liam Walker; niece, Rowan Walker; and cousins, Erica (Brian) Quibodeaux, Jessica Walker, Joshua Walker, and Christine Miner.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Esther and Hugh Walker, and Sue and Robert Doyle; and by his beloved dog, Willie. Happily, Jim left us his new puppy, Red, as a reminder of his playful spirit.
Jim’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and medical professionals at Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital, especially to Dr. Amy Smith and her team, for their remarkable care and compassion during his illness. Jim’s selfless willingness to undergo grueling experimental treatments for a new and virulent strain of cancer has left a legacy of hope for others that effective treatments will be found.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jim’s honor to Arnold Palmer Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Research in support of Dr. Smith’s work (Orlando Health Foundation, 3160 Southgate Commerce Blvd., Suite 50, Orlando, Florida 32806).
Jim was well-loved and will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
His visitation and memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 25, 2018, at Aycock-Riverside Funeral Home in Jupiter, Florida. Visitation will be from 2:00pm to 5:00pm with the memorial service beginning at 5 pm. Jim’s remains will be interred next to his Grandmother Walker in Wildwood Cemetery, Williamsport, PA at a family service.
