James Bernard Walton, Iii

James Bernard Walton III was born on September 28, 1952 to James B. Walton Jr. and June Fess Walton in Shreveport, Louisiana.  He passed from this life to receive his heavenly reward on September 17, 2023.

Jim, who was usually referred to as “Jimmy” by his immediate family, was the third of four children.  When Jim was young, his father worked for South Central Bell Telephone Company after retiring as a World War II pilot. As a young man, Jim served his country by joining the National Guard.  During this time he lost his father.

Interestingly, Jim Walton and Vickie Crouch knew each other as children.  For years they were good friends at the church where Vickie’s father was the preacher and Jim’s father was an elder.  Legend has it that Jim had proposed to Vickie the first time, and she answered by moving to Colorado; however, over time, the couple fell in love and were married on November 29, 1975.  Over the next few years, four children were born to Jim and Vickie.  Heather Michelle was the firstborn.  Two years later, Jim and Vickie had James Ryan, who lived for three short days due to a heart condition.  Hayley Lynne was the third child born to the couple, and James Brett was their fourth child.

Anyone who knew Jim would quickly describe him as an outgoing, optimistic Christian man.  From costume parties to church singings, Jim simply enjoyed having fun with friends and family.  Gifted with a beautiful voice, Jim frequently led singing at church services.

In his spare time he enjoyed many hobbies.  Every year Jim had a bountiful garden.  His family and friends could always count on tomatoes, okra, peppers, squash, and purple hull peas.  He was an artist who enjoyed painting, and he was an incredible chef.  He would also go fishing, and he often took his brother Keith, his dear friend Tony Moreno, or his “favorite fishing buddy,” who also happened to be his mother-in-law, Ruth Crouch, with him.  Legend also has it that he tried to throw her out of the boat one time!  Jim enjoyed wood-working, tinkering with cars, and used that beautiful baritone to sing many many karaoke songs.  His daughter Hayley nicknamed him “Jelvis” because he truly sounded like Elvis!

Jim was much much more than all his hobbies.  He was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle, father-in-law, father, and grandfather.   He regularly called his children just to tell them how much he loved them.  Jim was also a true friend.  He kept many many relationships alive with friends for decades.  Jim could be counted on to help in any circumstance when any loved one was in need.  Every car bought in the family (and cars bought by many friends) were only bought with the “Jim Walton stamp of approval.” What a blessing he was to everyone who knew him!

In addition to his parents, James Bernard Walton III was preceded in death by his son, James Ryan, his grandchild, Ashton Gomez, and his sister, Cheryl Awtry.  He is survived by his wife, Vickie, his three children Heather (and Don) Davis, Hayley (and Ivan) Gomez, and Brett Walton.  His grandchildren are Brianna, Fiona, Brodie, Trey, Tatum, and Gavin Davis, and Baret, Liam, Silas, and Zoey Gomez.   Jim is also survived by his sister, Anita (and Tommy) Wilkerson and his brother Keith (and Derona) Walton.

Visitation for Jim Walton will be on Saturday morning, September 23, 2023 at Highway Church of Christ in Judsonia at 9:30am.  His memorial service will follow at 10:30am.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Ghana West Africa Missions online or to Mission Para Cristo in Nicaragua through Highway Church of Christ.