James Herbert Walker

James Herbert Walker, 87, of Olivet, went to his heavenly home on July 28, 2016, after a courageous journey through many health issues. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. Jim was born to the late Earl O. and Mittie C. {Cooper} Walker of Olivet, IL, on May 12, 1929. He graduated from Georgetown High School, served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict on the USS Oriskany, and was a graduate of the Management Program and a supervisor at General Electric for 38 years. He was the pastor at Vermilion Grove Friends Church for 17 years. Jim helped start a Saturday morning Bible study, served as President of the Olivet Holiness Association, and published four religious and inspirational books. Jim was blessed with a large and loving family. He married his best friend, Norma Elaine Mills, on June 1, 1951, in Jacksonville, FL. He helped raise his three children with patience, discipline, and humility and encouraged them to explore the beauty of the Gospels. Jim was a kind, compassionate man that always had time to visit with anyone suffering. He will dearly be missed by his friends and loved ones who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his Creator. Jim is survived by: his wife, Norma; his son, James (Staci) Walker; his daughters, Vickie (Mark) Brent and Terrie (Dan) Hayes; his grandchildren, Andrew (Annie) Brent, Nicholas (Megan) Brent, Tony (Kristine) Brent, Elissa (Mike) Haines, Amanda (John) Hobson, Clayton Walker, and Riley Walker; his seven great grandchildren; and his brothers, Gerald Walker and William Walker. He was preceded in death by: his parents; his brothers, Curtis & Myron Walker; and his sisters, Lillian Larner and Lena Redding. A celebration of Jim's life will be held at 11:00am, Monday, August 1, 2016, at Vermilion Grove Friends Church, 14900 E 380 N Rd, Ridge Farm, IL. Pastor James Blue and Pastor Chuck Powell will officiate. Visitation will be held 2pm-6pm, Sunday, July 31, 2016, at Sunset's Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, 200 E West St, Georgetown. He will be laid to rest in Georgetown Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given in his name to: Vermilion Grove Friends Church, 3760 N 1500 E Road, Ridge Farm, IL.

Visitation Jul 31, 2016 Sunday, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Sunset's Houghton-Leasure Funeral Chapel 200 E. West Street Georgetown, IL 61846 Service Aug 1, 2016 Monday, 11:00 AM Vermilion Grove Friends Church 3850 1500 N Road Ridge Farm, il 61870 Final Resting Place Georgetown Cemetery Georgetown, Illinois 61846