James "Jim" Ross Walker

James Ross "Jim" Walker, Jr. Dearly loved husband, father, and Pap, Jim Walker, of Kingsport, peacefully went home with the Lord on the evening of Wednesday, October 5, 2016, surrounded by his family. Jim was born in Whitesburg, TN and attended East Tennessee State University. Jim worked many years as a chemist. In his retirement, he also worked alongside his constant companion, Martha Walker. Jim provided the community with a servant's heart through his involvement in Civitan, Boy Scouts, Sertoma, The Mack Riddle American Legion Parade, Salvation Army Advisory Board, and through his steadfast kindness. Jim was also a long-time member of his church, First Presbyterian. Jim also served in the U.S. Army and was married to his wife, Martha, for 55 years. Jim will be remembered by those who knew him because of his patience, humility, and unwavering love for his family. Jim was preceded in death by his father, James Ross Walker, Sr., mother, Georgia McCullough Walker, brother, Johnny Pat Walker, twin grandsons, Ethan Ward and James Ross Walker, IV. He is survived by wife, Martha Maddux Walker, daughter, Elizabeth Walker Byerley, son, James Ross Walker, III, son-in-law, Mitchell Byerley, Sr., daughter-in-law, Jennifer C. Walker, grandchildren: David Walker, Jennifer G. Walker, Mitchell Byerley, Jr., Katie Beth Byerley, Clayton Walker, Elli Walker, Ethan Walker, and great-grandchildren: Austin Walker, and James Walker, sister-in-law, Louise Hobbs, several cousins, nieces, and nephews, and beloved best buddy, Cooper. A private graveside service was held on Friday, October 7, 2016, at Oak Hill Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Sunday, October 9, 2016, at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church on Church Circle in Downtown Kingsport with David Cagle officiating the service. Special thanks to the kind and caring staffs at UT Medical Center, Bristol Select Specialty Hospital, Bristol HealthSouth, Indian Path Hospital, and Wexford House. Contributions in Jim's memory may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 100 W. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660, or to The Greyhound Rescue Foundation of Tennessee, P.O. Box 32554, Knoxville, TN, 37930-2554. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport is serving the Walker family.