He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Russell Walton and Ella Oliver Walton; sisters, Betty Brown and Gwen Walton, and grandson, Aaron Shortt.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 37 years, Ruth T. Walton; children, James H. Walton Jr. (Charlotte), Debra Shortt (Gary), and Sheila Harper; grandchildren, Courtney Portwood, Matthew McLane, Trey Walton III, John Walton, and Tyler Walton; and numerous great grandchildren; as well as his sister, Nancy Walton.
James graduated from West Point High School. After High School he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his time in the service he left West Point and moved to Richmond to become a manager at Phillip Morris where he dedicated 38 years of service.
He was an avid fisherman and he enjoyed boating as well as traveling. He cherished his mother and family.
A visitation will begin at 12pm on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at Woody Funeral Home - Atlee Chapel, 9271 Shady Grove Rd., Mechanicsville, VA 23116 where a funeral service will begin at 1pm. Interment will follow at Signal Hill Memorial Park, 12360 Hanover Courthouse Rd., Hanover, VA 23069. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Richmond, 4600 Cox Rd., Suite 130, Glen Allen, VA 23060.
