James Walker

James Earl "Hyrum" Walker, 66, of Ottawa, passed away Monday, April 17, 2023 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Visitation will be 10:00 until 12:00pm on Wednesday, April 26, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. A funeral ceremony will follow at 12:00pm noon, at the church, with a luncheon immediately after. Burial will be on Wednesday, June 7, at 10:30am at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

James was born in Ottawa, IL, to Orville and Mildred (Wise) Walker. He married Karen Crawford on May 18, 1990 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Ottawa.

James served in the United States Navy for 2 years serving in Vietnam. After his return, he worked for many years as a handyman and laying carpet. Most recently, he worked in the sporting goods department at Walmart. He enjoyed playing pool and loved to crochet blankets and give them away to kids that needed them. He spent many hours working in the yard and enjoyed his time there. He was an animal lover and was an avid Cubs fan. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Walker; his step children, Jerry (Kirsten) Castelli, Jennifer (Alan) Mileta, and Jeremy Castelli; his grandchildren, Jonah (Marlee) Castelli, Collin, Aurora, Griffin and Cody Castelli, and Faythe Mileta; his great granddaughter, Elli Castelli; and his siblings, Patsy Mayfield, Jane Castner, Charlie Walker, Jean Walker, and Dale Walker; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

James was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Linda Bowers and Harold Walker.

Memorials may be directed to the family.