James A. Walker, Jr., born in 1930, died August 15, 2025. He was the oldest son of Albert and Ruby Klepper Walker. Parents, wife, and brothers Bob (Val) and John are deceased.

Survivors include two sons, Karl (Joan) of Benton, AR and Jim (Leigh) of Denison, TX. Five grandchildren: Kyle, Kaiti, Sarah, Hannah, and Abby (Caleb), brother Dale (Sylvia) Walker, and sister-in-law Brena Walker.

James graduated valedictorian at Bergman HS in 1947 and from Ouachita Baptist University in 1951. He pastored Union and Bellefonte Baptist churches 1949-1952. He met and married Mattie Lou Paul, church treasurer, in 1952. They attended Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth and served two Baptist churches in Oklahoma while obtaining degrees.

During the next 20 years, they served Baptist churches in Wimberley and Houston, TX, and First Baptist church in Warren, AR. James was Stewardship and Annuity Director for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention for 21 years. Mattie worked for the Arkansas Baptist Foundation and Arkansas Baptist Children's Homes. James taught Seminary Extension classes and a J Term at Midwestern Seminary. They traveled to all 50 states and 32 countries doing mission trips and family vacations.

James also was 2nd VP of the ABSC and served on various boards, agencies, and committees in state and SBC life. In 70+ years of Baptist life, he revealed a pastor's heart for believers and ministers.

Honorary Pall Bearers include David Pile, Jimmy Sheffield, Ross Woodbury, Ken Shaddox, George Sims, David James, and the Baptist Building Retirees Group.

Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 18 at White Oak Cemetery in Harrison.

Memorials may be made to Mission Dignity, OBU, or one of the churches he pastored.