Min. James H. Walker, Sr.
1944 ~ 2022
Date of Death: September 16, 2022
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Walker family. James’ earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Minister James Harold Walker, Sr.
Sincerely,
Derrick Veasley ~ Director
Henry Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain
Minister James Harold Walker, Sr. aka “Pookey” was a blessing from God on Friday, December 22, 1944 to the late Dennis G. and Ozella Mae (Thompson) Walker in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was likewise called by God to take his eternal heavenly rest on Friday, September 16, 2022 from Fort Smith. He was also preceded in death by two of his children: James Walker, Jr. and Jamie Eileen Walker and one of his siblings: Delores Richardson.
James accepted Christ under the leadership of Rev. Alan Smith at New Covenant International Christian Center where he was an ordained Minister. He attended the Fort Smith Public School System: Howard Elementary and Lincoln High School. Graduating from Lincoln with the class of 1962. He attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and was drafted into the United States Navy, where is served from 1964 to 1970. While serving in the Vietnam, he received multiple honors for his bravery.
James was drafted to play professional football for the New Orleans Saints in 1971. His professional football career ended after an injury. After football, he was employed with ABF Freight System until 1980. He then served in many different capacities at Baldor, Inc. and Whirlpool, Inc. He also worked for over 20 years at BOST, Inc. His next move in life was retirement and he enjoyed it with spending time with his family and friends. He also spent his spare time as an avid softball player, playing with longtime friends.
The true love of his life was his mother, Ozella “Babe” Walker, and with her, he experienced joy, lots of laughter and an abundance of love. Pookey was known for his charm, humor and wit. He was also a true lover of fashion, always striving to dress better than Dapper Dan.
Pookey will be forever cherished and remembered by his two daughters: Nishee Love Norwood (Michael) of Van Buren, Arkansas and Malori Monique Walker (Mark Minton) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; four grandchildren: Malik Walker, Tre’ Norwood, India Norwood and Mason Minton (upon arrival December 2022); a great-grandchild: Malachi James Walker; three sisters: Denise Jones, Marion Walker and Margret Walker all three of Fort Smith, Arkansas and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.
Visitation will be on Friday, September 23, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Rowell-Parish Mortuary 611 North 9th Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.
Celebration of life service will be on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 11 a.m. at New Covenant International Christian Center 2037 North N Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904.
Committal service and final resting place will be held on Monday, September 26, 2022 at 10 a.m. at the Fort Smith National Cemetery Fort Smith, Arkansas.