JAMES A. WALKER
HAYWARD, Calif. -- Retired Lt. Col. James Alonzo Walker, a World War II veteran who was a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, passed away peacefully Aug. 23, 2004, at the age of 85.
Born in Manning, he was the son of the late James and Daisy Jones Walker. He attended high school in Baltimore and graduated from Hampton Institute in Hampton, Va. Lt. Col. "Jimmy" Walker retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1964, where he proudly served his country for more than 21 years. He was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, serving as a fighter pilot and bomber escort in the European theater during World War II. Following World War II, he served as a flight instructor at Tuskegee Army Air Field and a radar officer and aircraft controller in Mississippi, Germany, New York, New Jersey, Japan and California.
In 1964, he moved to Hayward with his wife, Helen R. Walker, and their four children. He joined Wells Fargo Bank, where he worked as a credit officer, banking service officer and personal banking officer. After 14 years with Wells Fargo Bank, Jimmy retired in 1979.
Jimmy had been an active member of First United Methodist Church of Hayward for nearly 40 years. He was a former commander of the Hayward Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1882, an active member of the Northern California Chapter of the National Hampton Alumni Association, and member of the Bill Campbell Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc.
His wife and his son, Jay Walker, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his sons, Samuel Walker of Oakland and Kenneth Walker and his wife, Cynthia, of Vallejo; daughter, Cynthia Walker of San Jose; three grandchildren, Kirsten Walker, Julius Ivery and Kenneth Walker II; brother, the Rev. Melford (Ruth) Walker of Richmond, Va.; sister-in-law, Celestine Walker of Manning; and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. today at First United Methodist Church of Hayward, 1183 B St.
Chapel of the Chimes is handling arrangements.
This is a courtesy announcement of Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to one or more of the following: First United Methodist Church of Hayward, 1183 B St., Hayward, CA 94541; Hampton University, James A. Walker Memorial Fund, c/o Office of Vice President for Development, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23668; Tuskegee Airmen Association; Eden Housing Inc., 409 Jackson St., Hayward, CA 94541.