James Bernard Walker

James Bernard Walker, 78, of Richmond VA, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025, after a brief illness. James had been a cherished member of the Richmond Residential Services family since 1998, when he transitioned to our South Meadow home after many years at Southside Virginia Training Center, where he had resided since the age of nine. Over the decades, James became an unforgettable part of our community.

A quiet man with a strong presence, James had a passion for looking his best and getting out into the community. He was a long-time participant in Special Olympics and took pride in his appearance and sense of independence. James found joy in spending time with his housemates and the staff who cared for him, listening to old school R&B music, his shoes and whistle, and always making sure everyone knew when a visitor arrived to see him.

James brought personality, warmth, and humor to South Meadow, and his absence will be deeply felt by his peers—Lester, Juanita, Maurice, and Herbert—and by the dedicated South Meadow (Richard, Lyniece, Patrice, Malquan, Eric, Najae, Tallameca, Malcolm, Tony, Tayonna, and Iwobi), staff who supported him with care and compassion. We are thankful for collaboration and support of Commonweath Catholic Charities, Richmond Behavioral Health Authority and Bon Secours Hospice. Services will be held at Woody Funeral Home located 1771 N Parham Rd Richmond Rd Richmond, VA on May 21, 2025, from 11am to 1pm.