James Walker

James Bush Walker, Jr. was born December 22, 1922 in Evergreen, Alabama. He was born the sixth of 12 children born to the union of James B. Walker, Sr. and Gelene Thomas Walker. There he grew up, attended Conecuh County Training School and was a member of the Old Field AME Zion Church.
James, affectionately known as J.B. to his family and friends, served in the Civilian Conser-vation Corps before joining the Army. He served his country during World War II in Europe and in the U.S., as part of a military Quartermaster Company. He was a technician 5th grade at the time of his discharge after assignment at Fort Riley, Kansas in 1946.
He was formerly married in 1941 to Nacola Feagin Walker. This union was blessed with one son. J.B. and his family relocated to Cincinnati, after his discharge from the Army. J.B. was later married to Merinda Joiner Walker. James was employed for many years at the Lunkeheimer Company in Cincinnati, and later worked as an independent contractor, providing commercial janitorial services.
Soon after moving to Cincinnati, J.B. joined St. John AME Church, where he served faithfully until his health began to fail. James loved his church and continued his membership until his demise. He was a member of the Senior Choir and the Male Chorus for many years and occasionally ventured a solo part. He also served as a member of the Yard Committee that maintained the grounds of the church.
J.B. attended New York Technical School and completed the course in tailoring and was able to make a variety of stylish and sturdy garments. J.B. and his siblings were a close-knit group and regularly enjoyed each other’s company through family gatherings such as picnics and the sharing of food.
He leaves to cherish his memories: son, Ernest Walker, Sr. (Ruth) of Cincinnati, OH and daugh-ter, Joyce Prince (Robert) of Mobile, AL; step-sons, Charles Walker, Larry Joiner (Birdie) and step-daughters, Doris Hull (Bennie) and Judith Hogan (Charles), all of Cincinnati, OH; sisters, Elese Blackwell of Long Beach, CA and Greta Gibson of Cincinnati, OH; sisters-in-law, Clevie Oliver, Cecile Walker and Myrtis Walker; grand-children, Marguerita Walker of Houston, TX, Karen Rodriguez (David) of Fountain, CO, Ernest Walker II (Katherine) of Cincinnati, OH, Brandi Graham and Brione Prince of Columbus, OH; great-grandchildren, Nassir Rodriguez, Katya Walker, Kamilla Walker and Ernest Walker III; step-grandchildren, Larry Joiner, Jr., Coleen Gaither, Jackie Joiner, Antwan Lee, Christal Doty, Kim Hull, Kevin Hawkins, Shawn Hawkins, Latisha Johnson, Mindy Walker, Antwan Walker, Shay Walker, Charles Dubois and Quantez Walker; and other great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.