John was a fun loving guy and a terrific educator and friend. He made my time at Grand Junction High a really fun one. Great teacher …. football coach … baseball coach …. very inspiring man. The kids loved him. Memory       we are playing Farmington HS in baseball in Farmington NM   they are really good  … we have half the team still playing basketball in the state tournament and Coach Mantlo 's daughter is there as well    Its just John and I coaching the team. 1st game our pitcher throws 4 good innings and then they go off. I feel that the home plate umpire is killing us …. I head to talk to him during our next at bat    a minute later here comes John from the 1st base coaches box …. he says to me Mike   this is not Hoosiers and I am not Dennis Hopper  …. don't get your ass thrown out of here … I look at him    laugh like heck and go back to my box ….  we win the 2cd game when Jason Blackburn throws a gem     he still thinks I am 0-1  and he is 1 -0 … 
I'll miss you John  as will many   RIP    I concede    you are 1-0  !!! 

My relationship with John Walker was that of the step-dog-parent to five amazing Boston terriers. Bobo, Annie, Mia, Rocco, and Gusto.
As a step-dog-parent you sometimes find yourself in situations that others would find difficult to understand. With John It was just simply part of life because he knew how much those dogs meant to both he an Elizabeth. Shared custody was an easy solution. Just as I shared custody with my ex-wife with my four kids, we did the same with the dogs.  People who love unconditionally do that sort of thing.
Through the years I found myself driving on I-70, I-25, or C 470 headed to meet John at some predetermined location. The two of us would make whatever drive we had arranged and typically arrive within minutes of one another. It was always nice to spend time catching up and sharing stories and laughter.  It was always nice to hear how our beloved Tigers we're doing, and later on the tales of Two Mile Creek and the food business.
 John would always request that I try a sample and wanted to know what I thought of the latest flavors. In all the years I don't ever remember a time when John didn't have some gift for Elizabeth and I and new toys for the dogs. Sharing stories, laughter and gifts was what John was all about.
Thanks, John for tales, tails and the laughter. Thanks for allowing me to co-dog-parents with you it was a gift only a dog lover can truly appreciate. 
As for Gusto I can never love him like you, but I promise I will love him unconditionally just like you.
Godspeed my friend.
Kevin Gardner


I worked with John at GJHS during the 90's as his Athletic Secretary.  I have never had a boss who was more thoughtful of others, and tried his hardest to do the right thing when there were so many people making demands on him.  He tried to stand by his coaches when parents were angry, but also knew that sometimes there were real reasons for concern.  He often called me into his office just to talk things out knowing that I had his back, but never said "too much".  I admired and respected him, and I still do.  It makes me so sad to learn that he is no longer with us.  We have lost a "good man", the world is poorer for that.
May peace be with you  and your family John, you will be dearly missed.

John Walker was an absolutely fantastic educator, His students and athletes loved him, and he cared deeply for them. Numerous former players of his have asked about him to me over the years.  I am saddened to hear of his passing, his athletes were always prepared for contests and strived to please him.  My prayers go out to his family for peace and fond memories.  John was a big part of my professional life and to this day I think about him periodically when I'm working with students.

Rest In Peace Mr. Walker- you were a wonderful athletic director at GJ when I was a student and then a wonderful mentor when I started coaching the Pom team at GJ a few years after graduating high school. You were always so kind, you had my back no matter what, and you believed I could do a great job even though I was young. You will be missed.  God Bless 

He was a huge support for me as a beginning teacher! He would use the name Sweet Sally Sue in so many of his grammar lessons. Always had a joke, a smile, a kind word. Great teacher, Coach, and Athletic Director! Loved joking with him on Road Trips! He loved the Movie’s The Dirty Dozen, Patton, and True Grit! A wonderful friend! 

Johnnie was my neighbor and my friend. Every morning I would see hm and his dog walking the neighborhood. Each Sunday he would drop off a dessert that he or his mom had made and we would talk about sports.  Those conversations always ending  with a hand shake and I will miss him.

My Favorite cousin that I never met.  Loree, my Mom is Rena Walker’s sister.  My mother married a Yankee in 1948 and moved East, so I never got to meet my Walker cousins.  That was a darn shame because from what I hear about all 3 of the Walker kids, I really missed some pretty special people. So, how is it that Johnny was my favorite cousin ?  It happened like this: Rena was pretty ill a few winters ago and spent months in both the hospital and a rehab center.  My Mom wasn’t well either so I took over the job of keeping in touch.  Johnny and I emailed and texted and shared family photos.  He’s the one who declared that he MUST be my favorite cousin – of course I agreed. I’m very sad that I will never be ever be able to meet Johnny now.  I rest well knowing that he is with Rusty and Scott  – just waiting patiently for the rest of us to come meet them.  No rush – just in God’s good time. I’ve been praying for God to send an abundance of comfort, grace and comfort for Rena, Peggy and the rest of the family.  I regret that this virus makes it risky for me to get on a plane and attend the Memorial Service later this month. Please know I will be with you in spirit that day. Lots Of Love, cousin Lorraine Pitts Bunker, Gloucester MA

" it's a beautiful thing" JW enjoyed working with you for many years at GRAND JUNCTION HIGH, RIP man

Johnnie would say, "we are Willard Methodists!", but he was so much more.   He was a gentleman of great faith and always positive. He could see the best in everything.  He valued his health and his family and so enjoyed other people.  He loved his "red headed irish mother".   He liked to talk about the days of athletics and how keeping strong was of importance to him as he continued to experience birthdays.  Never one to complain or focus on the negative, he always left others feeling happy and positive.  The good Lord needs guys like this...Heaven will be a better place with him leading the team.  I was privileged to block for Johnnie for a short time (his words), wish it would have been for longer.  

OBITUARY

Donald John Walker

July 7, 1958 – July 24, 2020

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Crown Hill

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