James Rodney “J.R.” Walker, formerly of Claude, Texas passed away Saturday, November 2, 2024 at the age of 77 years, 9 months, and 2 days.
Graveside services will be held 10:00 AM Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Claude Cemetery in Claude.
Viewing will be held Tuesday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM with the family receiving friends for visitation from 4:00-6:00 PM at Robertson’s in Claude.
Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors.
James Rodney Walker was born on February 2, 1947 in Wheeler, TX to Ed and Jenny Walker. He grew up in Allison, TX with two older sisters and three younger brothers. Oh what those four boys could think of! His mother always said it was good the girls were born first so they could help take care of the boys. James went to his first twelve years of school in Allison where he graduated in 1965. He moved to Pampa, TX where he worked several different jobs. It was here that James met the love of his life, Coela Gayle Balch and made her his wife on April 30, 1976. He started working for Welex in 1976, and worked there 13 years. In January 1989, James was able to fulfill his life long dream of going to the Police Academy. After receiving his diploma, he went to work for the Gray County Sheriff’s Department. He also attended several other law classes helping him receive the offer of being the Sheriff of Armstrong County. He finished the term of a Sheriff that moved, and then he ran and won two more terms. James and Coela moved to Claude where they lived for 18 years. James was injured on the highway in 2015 and was forced to retire. The Walkers moved to Amarillo on November 1, 2018, and was residing there at the time of his passing on November 2, 2024.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Tonja Davis, his parents and his two older sisters, Linda Sanders and Sandra White.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a step-son, Craig Yauck and wife Fawn, a granddaughter, Heidi Morgan and husband Ross, a grandson, Logan Harvey, three great-grandchildren, Grayson, Layla and Lane Morgan, three brothers and wives, Steve and Joyce Walker, Eddy and Sheila Walker, and Terry and Freida Walker, and a brother-in- law Glenn Balch and wife Diana. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
