James "Jim" Walker

James Gary "Jim" Walker, 87, of Casa Grande died on April 28, 2015, at Renata’s Home for the Elderly in San Tan Valley.

Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Southern Baptist Church. The funeral will follow at 2, with Pastors Phil Calvert and James Walker officiating.

Mr. Walker was born on March 12, 1928, in Mesa and was a son of Lloyd W. Walker and Pennalope "Ida" Michell. He lettered at the future Arizona State University in football and basketball and was a middle school teacher, retiring from Stanfield School after 28 years. He also ran a wheat harvesting business along with teaching. His passion was teaching and coaching.

He was a member of Trinity Southern Baptist Church and loved hunting and fishing while summering in Pinetop-Lakeside. His family was the most important part of his life.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Velma M.; two sons, John P. Walker of Casa Grande and Ted W. Walker of Sonoita; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, David T. Walker; a brother, Pruitt Walker; and two grandsons, Gary and Adam Walker.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.