Poland – James Thomas Walker, 89, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2018 at his home in Poland, Ohio. He was born July 22, 1928 in Hubbard, OH, to the late Francis and Nellie Wilson Walker. He grew up and attended Hubbard, graduating in 1947.
Jim served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return from service, he was a stationary steam and boiler engineer and later became Assistant District Superintendent of Utilities for Youngstown Sheet & Tube. He received two cost saving awards in 1966 and 1974, saving the company in excess of $2,000,000.
He won a car as top contributor. Jim later formed his own company and did quality assurance for LTV steel’s product providers. He was a member of the American Society for Quality, a former member of the Struthers Rotary Club and a member of the Poland United Methodist Church.
In his earlier years, Jim dreamed of being an architect, and although that dream was never realized, he designed a number of homes over the years, as well as a sculpture representing the steel industry at the Campbell City Hall which is still in place today. He loved to read and was passionate about the game of golf. Jim was a ranger and a starter at Reserve Run Golf Course and he and his wife MariJane, attended the Masters Tournament three times in Augusta, GA.
He leaves his devoted wife, Marijane Zelinka (Rubesa) Walker, whom he married on February 23, 1979, and daughters, Susan (Joel Shutt) Walker of Gurnee, IL, Linda (Tom) Diak of Chester, VT, Cheril (Gregg Gfell) Walker of Kent, OH; grandchildren, Eli, Christopher, Benjamin, Noah, David, Nicholas, Tony, Justin, and Abigail. He also leaves Marijane’s children, all of Poland, OH. Tammy (David) Wagner, Randy (Susan) Rubesa, and John (Jean) Rubesa.
Grandchildren, Weston (Amber), Andrew, Michael (Lindsey), Matthew, Kaitlyn, Brock, Sara, Libby, Francesca, and Vincenzo. Great-grandchildren, Landrie and Blake. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews, special friends, Scotty (Natalie) MacDonald of Reserve Run Golf Course and his Panera buddies.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brothers, Fred, Richard, Jack, and Robert; and his sisters, Dorie and Catherine; and his former wife, Betty Lou Walker. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the Poland United Methodist Church with Pastor Ken Gifford officiating. Friends will be received Saturday from 10:00 a.m. 11:45 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, Jim’s family requests any memorial donations be made to Jim’s name to the Poland United Methodist Church, 1940 Poland Boardman Road, Poland, OH 44514, or to Crossroads Hospice Care whose around the clock care was exceptional, 3743 Boettler Oaks Drive, Suite E, Green, OH 44685. Donations may be made to: Poland United Methodist Church 1940 Boardman-Poland Rd.
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