Mr. James L. "Jimmy" Walker

July 24, 1954 - July 21, 2020

UTICA - Mr. James Lee Walker, affectionately known as Jimmy Walker, entered the arms of the Lord on July 21, 2020. James was born in Utica on July 24, 1954 to the late Ethel Mae Walker Ivey and Harvey Ivey. He was educated in Utica City schools and attended Mohawk Valley Community College. James served a brief stint in the United States Marine Corps. He worked for the New York State Division for Youth for many years, until finally retiring from Bonide Products in Oriskany. He continued to work part time at Colonial Laundromat in Whitesboro. James was known and loved by many people. He loved his Lord Jesus Christ until his last day and was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church. James loved walking and visiting family and close friends. He preferred wearing casual attire, and anyone who knew him would say that you rarely to never saw James not wearing his classic slacks, and shoes. James leaves behind his loving wife, Melissa Walker; his sons, Derell James Walker, and Stephen Oshea; his daughter, Tasha Suwarrow-Williams; sisters, Dorothy “Ruthie” (John) Spratt, Virginia “Polly” (Danny) Watkins; brothers, Benjamin “Ben” Walker, Harvey “Fuzzy” (Betty) Ivey and a brother-in-law, Johnny Lee Reed; dozens of nieces and nephews; and his lifelong friend, Ms. Candance Duncan. James was predeceased by his oldest sister, Sadie Walker-Reed; his nephews, John Curt Spratt, Emanuel E.E. Spratt, Derrick “Fuddy” Reed, Daniel “Mr. Piggy” Watkins, and Joshua Brown. Uncle Jim, you will be always loved and never forgotten. Visitation will be held Thursday afternoon from 3:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The family welcomes you to come and pay your respects to Jimmy. Due to the current restrictions, we will be operating at a limited occupancy. We ask for your patience as we try to accommodate those coming to pay their respects. We will only allow ten people into the building as ten people exit. Face masks must be worn and contact tracing will be implemented. Interment will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Please take a moment to connect with Jimmy’s family through the “Memories” section of his obituary on our website. Our prayers continue to go out to all as a sign of our continued support.