James Marion (Jimmy) Walker went to play golf with his fantasy foursome at the Paradise Golf & Country Club on January 22, 2024 and will not be returning.  Except for a few years, Jimmy was a lifelong resident of Tidewater, growing up in Ballentine Place in Norfolk.  He graduated from Maury High School in ’64 and obtained three degrees from Old Dominion (an AAS in ’66 from the old Technical Institute, a BS in Engineering Technology in ’74, and an MBA in ’75).  He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) social fraternity.

Jimmy held a few different jobs early in his career (selling life insurance, longshoreman, Ford Plant) before settling at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.  Within the Production Department, he was the Staff Engineer with the Mechanical Group, the Dry Dock Coordinator, and finally retired as the Department’s Process Improvement Manager.  He was a proud Marine and retired as a Master Gunnery Sargent after 28 years in the Marine Corps Reserve.

Jimmy played many sports, and in the early 1970’s he excelled on Virginia Doors softball team competing in many local, state, and national tournaments.  He was also an avid golfer as a low single digit handicapper winning several club championships in both stroke and match play.  After retiring, Jimmy volunteered with the Virginia State Golf Association serving as golf course rater and rules official.  He also was on Golf Digest’s course ranking panel and loved to travel with his wife throughout the U.S. and Canada evaluating some of the best courses in the world.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Sherry; his daughter, Stacey Medrano, son-in-law, Bing Medrano, grandchildren, Miles and Marion; and his son, Tyler.  He is also survived by his siblings: Rae Cox, Pete Walker, Wesley Walker, and Lenore Walker. He enjoyed a vast extended family and several lifelong friends. He will miss them all, especially not being able to play golf with his grandkids.  He wished to be cremated with his ashes scattered on the tee of his favorite golf hole.  No formal service is planned but a headstone will be placed on the family plot at Forest Lawn Cemetery.  The family will plan a celebration of life at a later date.  Jimmy would like for you to remember him with a smile on your face and a cool drink in your hand so come prepared to tell your favorite story(s) about him.

Semper Fi

Written by James Walker

From the family:

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please send a donation to Tunnel to Towers Foundation. https://t2t.org