Obituary of James A. Walker

James A. Walker, 66, of Lockport, died at his home on Wednesday, June 28, 2017.

Born Oct. 10, 1950 in Springfield, Ohio, he was the son of Roy Walker and Patricia Putnam Walker.

Jim was raised in Richmond, Indiana, and graduated from Richmond Senior High School in 1968.

In December 1968, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy and attained the rank of machinist's mate second-class. A Vietnam-era veteran, he was honorably discharged in 1973.

Following his military service, Jim embarked on a career in the utility industry. He worked as a training specialist, operations supervisor, control room operator and shift leader in power plants and utility facilities across the country and as far away as Iraq. Dayton Power and Light Company, Dayton, Ohio; Combustion Engineering Inc., Windsor, Connecticut; and Southern Electric International, Niagara Falls, New York, were among the companies Jim worked for during his 30-year career.

On Valentine's Day 1991, Jim married Thelma McIntosh of Lockport. They celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary earlier this year.

Jim was a gentle soul and a devoted brother, husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed playing guitar, watching classic movies and walking his beloved dog, Sandy. As a child, Jim had a fun and mischievous spirit. He liked tinkering with all things mechanical, and would build mini bikes from scratch.

Jim was loved and will be greatly missed by his wife, Thelma; his two sons: Andrew (Shannon) and Brian Walker; three stepsons: Christopher (Kate-Lyn), Daniel and Andrew (Helene) Knight; and three step-grandchildren: Emily, Ryan and Ethan Knight; brothers Thomas (Linda) and Paul (Phil McKown) Walker; sistersPatty (Mark) Needell and Mary Walker; dear cousin Patty Lou (Ernie) Johnson; niece Lisa Walker and nephews Chris Walker and James Needell. He is also survived by his former wife and dear friend Debra Oberle.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 5 at Lange Funeral Home, Inc. 186 East Ave., Lockport, NY, with a funeral service to follow at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember James A. Walker may make a contribution to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Suite 900, Rochester, NY 14620, or a charity of one's choice. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.langefuneralhomeinc.com