James Keener Walker, age 85, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 22, 2019. He was born on Sept. 26, 1933, in Altoona, Alabama.
Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 25, 2019, at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home, Cullman, AL, from 6-8 p.m. The funeral will be Saturday, January 26, 2019, at St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church, Cullman, Alabama. He will lie in state 12-1 p.m., and the funeral will begin at 1 p.m. The Rev. Bob Kurtz, Rev. John Richer, and Rev. Steve Wood will officiate. Burial will be in Cullman City Cemetery with Dr. Keith Langner officiating.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Terry and Dora Walker.
He is survived by his wife Cindy Jones Walker; children, Jefferson A. Walker, Tuscaloosa, AL, and Jennifer (Leon) Manning, McShan, AL; grandchildren Alex, Nathan and Rachel Walker and Trey, Maria and Luke Manning; sister Charlotte (Frank) Langner; and stepson, Jeff (Carolyn) Brown of Rogers, Arkansas.
Mr. Walker lived a life pointing people to Jesus Christ through his music. He served as Minister of Music in many churches throughout his adult life and was the founder of the Music Department of Wallace State Community College where he taught several courses and directed the Wallace State Community College Singers for 25 years. Mr. Walker retired from WSCC in 1992, however, he continued to serve as Minister of Music for St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church until 2010. In 2014, he was named Minister Emeritus.
Jim was active in the Cullman community where he served faithfully on the Cullman Regional Hospice Board, Department of Health Resources Board, and Cullman Lion’s Club where he held many leadership positions at both the local and state level. Mr. Walker’s commitment to serving others is evidenced through his receipt of numerous awards and recognitions, including: an award from the Cullman Lions Club for his dedication and commitment to Inspiring young ladies in Higher Education and Talent through his work with the Cullman County Fair Pageant and The Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian services from Lions Club International Foundation. Mr. Walker’s influence on the lives of musicians, church and community members was tremendous. His Christmas programs The Living Christmas Tree at FBC Cullman and Gloria in White with the St. John’s Choir were unmatched. Recently, he was awarded the CMA Music Teacher of Excellence Award.
Mr. Walker was a graduate of Emma Sansom High School, Gadsden, AL, Howard College, Birmingham, AL, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Jim was a wonderful husband, father, and Granddaddy to his six grandchildren. Mr. Walker enjoyed cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide, boating, and playing golf in his spare time.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Dr. Adam Harrison and the staff of Cullman Regional Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Wallace State Future Foundation Jim Walker Scholarship Fund at Wallace State Community College, Hanceville, Alabama or to your local church music program.
