After suffering a debilitating illness Col. James Walker died on October 10, 2011. He last resided in Air Force Village II in San Antonio, Texas. James was born in El Paso, Texas and attended California Military Academy (1944-1945), Boise High School (1946-1949), and New Mexico Military Institute (1949-1953). James served with the US Army Medical Corps from 1953-1986. He was asolo helicopter pilotduring the Korean Conflict as well as a veteran of the Vietnam War. Col. Walker was a highly decorated officer who devoted his life to serving his country. James retired to Ephrata, Washington in 1985 where he enjoyed his retirement hunting and fishing and being with his family and friends. He was a very lovable, gentle, and kind-hearted person with a great sense of humor and compassion for everyone around him.