James N. Walker

With great sorrow we mourn the passing of James N. Walker, long time pharmacist, businessman and community leader in Gladewater, Texas. Mr. Walker passed away on March 22, 2018 from complications due to cancer in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born December 5, 1935 in DeSoto Parish Louisiana Mr. Walker grew up in Athens, Texas. He attended Stephen F. Austin State University on a tennis scholarship and graduated from the University of Houston’s School of Pharmacy in 1959. Upon graduation he moved to Gladewater, Texas, operating Walker’s Pharmacy from 1960 to 2011. He valued education, community service and hard work. As a pharmacist he was always available to his customers providing care regardless of hour or circumstance. His accomplishments and involvement in his community were extensive including twelve years as councilman and eight years as mayor of Gladewater, 21 years on the Kilgore College Board of Trustees and various leadership roles in the First United Methodist Church of Gladewater, Kiwanis, Jaycees and Lions Club. As the youngest mayor of an incorporated city in Texas in 1976 he was honored in 1995 with induction into the Mayor Hall of Fame.

Mr. Walker is survived by his daughter Nancy Stratton (Mark), son Douglas Walker (Paula Biestek) and daughter Phyllis Williams (Gerald); grandsons Colin Stratton, Sean Stratton, Nathan Walker, Logan Walker, Mark Barnhill Jr, Reece (Claudia) Barnhill; granddaughter Carmen Barnhill (Jason Watkins); great grandsons Samson Black and Walker Barnhill. He is preceded in death by great grandson Cameron Barnhill Jr.

Visitation will be held at Croley Funeral Home, Gladewater, Texas on Sunday, March 25th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm with services at the First United Methodist Church of Gladewater on Monday, March 26th at 11:00 am.

The family would like to thank his many friends who spent time with him in his final days sharing memories and prayers, Hearts Way Hospice for their kind and thoughtful care. In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to Kilgore College, Hearts Way Hospice or charity of choice.