James "Jim" D. Walker

James “Jim” D. Walker, age 85, of LaPorte, IN, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2021.He was born on October 20, 1935, the son of James O. and Lawsie (Pipkin) Walker in Truman, AR. On Sept 8, 1961, he married Mary Louise Walker; she preceded him in death on November 14, 2008.

James was a professional photographer and owned Walker Creative Photography for many years. He was inducted into the Freelance Photography Hall of Fame in 2008 and was also honored on the Cambridge Who’s Who book in 2012. He photographed countless area events published in The LaPorte Herald Argus, as well as capturing memories made at hundreds of weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, and other live events throughout his decades long career. While Photography was his true passion, it was not his only talent. He was a self taught guitar player and violinist, as well as a Ham Radio Operator, a Boy Scout Leader, and a Mason. Jim was very driven his entire life and has also been a factory worker and worked in security. Most importantly Jim loved The Lord and was always studying and reading The Bible. He was a member at Countryside Christian Church and Agape for many years as well as attending the Seventh Day Adventist Church in LaPorte. He was an awesome grandpa and loved his kids and grandkids. Jim never knew a stranger, was very social and loved to tell jokes and chat. And to no one’s surprise, he was always taking pictures.

Survivors include, four children, Doug (Kathy) Walker of Elkhart, IN, Nisa Freedom Walker of Mishawaka, IN, Tina (Mark) Steiner of Watervliet, MI, and Jeff Walker of Marion, IN; grandchildren, Chad, Brad (Jessica), Mandy, Carmen, Preston, Clayton, Ashley, and Noah; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Jonah, Shelby, Jaedon, Nazaria, Tyler, Jordy, and Owen; a sister, Loretta (Frank) Wilson of Flushing, MI; a brother, Henry (Connie) Walker of Arlington, TX; a sister-in-law, Betty Walker Walnut Ridge, AR; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews, including Anita, Steve, Mark, David, Jim, Henry, Rocio, Bob, Donna Kay, and Greg.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and a son, Cary Walker in 2019.

A funeral service will be held in Jim’s honor on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 11 am at New Carlisle Community Church, 201 W Michigan St, New Carlisle, IN 46552. Pastor Rick Jones will officiate. Burial will follow at Swan Lake Cemetery in Michigan City, IN.  Family and friends will be received one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, Florida 33607.