James S. "Jim" Walker, 86, formerly of North Andover, passed away peacefully at home in the company of his family.

Born in Lincoln, NE on July 3, 1932, James, fondly known as Jim, was the son of the late Raymond and Katherine (Scoular) Walker.

Following his graduation from Lincoln High School he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in Japan as a member of the Seabees until his discharge in 1955 attaining the rate of Construction Electrician Mate Second Class. Jim then enrolled at the University of Nebraska where he was a proud member of Delta Tau Delta, and would meet his wife of 59 years Margaret L. (Hansen) Walker.

After graduating and getting married in July of 1959, Jim landed a job in sales with BASF, and would later settle in Woodland Hills, CA, where they raised two daughters Christine (Chris) and Michelle (Mic). Devoted to his career, Jim relocated his family to North Andover in 1977. Jim also worked with Digital Equipment Corp. and Quantum Corp. before retiring in 1999 after a 40 year sales career.

Jim enjoyed traveling the world with his wife, and as an avid fly fisherman took part in many fishing excursions both domestic and abroad. Locally served as a member of the Coastal Conservation Association. As a couple, Jim and Meg loved hosting friends and family for dinner parties.

A man of faith, Jim was an active member of Christ Church Andover where he held many positions including Senior Warden. He was a Free Mason for 63 years, and a member of St. Matthews Masonic Lodge in Andover, as well as, an enthusiastic supporter of Esperanza Academy in Lawrence. Always one to be active member of his chosen communities, he was most recently President of the Residents Council at Nichols Village.

Jim was a proud family man, and besides his wife of 59 years, Meg, he is survived by his daughters Chris Gray of Amesbury, MA and Michelle V. Walker and husband Garrett Vail of Belfast, ME; granddaughter Misty Gray and her husband Thompson Booth of Charlestown, MA, grandson Sam Vail of Camden, ME. And great grandson Cameron Booth.

Jim will be remembered for his strong leadership roles, his great sense of humor, love for music, and most fondly by his family for being a steady guide and supporter. He was loved by so many and will be deeply missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service Saturday, December 8th, 1:00 PM, at Saint James Episcopal Church, 119 Washington St., Groveland, MA 01834, followed by a reception from 2:00 to 4:00 PM in the Canon Room at Nichols Village, 1 Nichols Way, Groveland, MA 01834.
Please consider memorial donations in Jim's name to Christ Church Andover, 25 Central Street, Andover, MA 01810, or Shriner's Hospital for Children, 2900 North Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main Street, Haverhill 01830. Messages of condolence may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com