James L. Walker

North Chatham - James Lewis Walker, 81, of North Chatham died August 22, 2010 at Liberty Commons Rehabilitation & Skilled Care Center from complications related to Alzheimer's Disease. He was the husband of Marion (Banton) Walker.

Born March 19, 1929 in St. Louis, Missouri, to Lewis and Vera (Sander) Walker, James ("Jim") attended Swampscott High School and graduated from Amherst College in 1950. He served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged in 1953. He worked for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company for 42 years, retiring as Senior Vice President, Southwest Division. During the course of his career he and his family lived in Stamford, Connecticut, Malvern, Pennsylvania, and Dallas, Texas, spending summers in Chatham.

Jim will be especially remembered for his sense of humor and quick wit, his competitive spirit on and off the tennis and paddle courts, his love of fishing, boating, travel, and Amherst College, his devotion to his loyal friend, Max, and for his never-ending support and commitment to his family. In addition, he was a dedicated F.I.S.H. volunteer for many years.

He leaves his wife of 58 years, Marion (Banton) Walker, son James L. Walker, Jr., and wife Emily Walker, daughters Margaret E. Walker and Elizabeth S. Walker, grandchild Abigail E. Devin, brother Robert V. Walker and sister-in-law Sonia Walker, many close friends, nieces and nephews. Jim will be laid to rest at a private ceremony in Chatham. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 24, 2010, at 4 p.m. at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 533 Route 28, Harwich Port.

The family would like to thank the staff at Liberty Commons and Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, and his friends and family members for their help and support over the course of his illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601, www.hospicecapecod.org ; or to The Salvation Army, 147 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116, www.salvationarmy.org.