Mr. James L. Walker

James Linwood Walker, affectionately known to his family and friends as “Tony”, “Eddie Kane,” “J-Dudd,” and “Slim”, was born on August 6, 1954 in Melfa, Virginia, to the late Robert and Dorothy Walker. He departed this life peacefully on August 8, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia.

James was educated through Accomack County Public Schools. He was a hardworking and dependable man. His career included employment with Holly Farms, Perdue, and later the City of Norfolk, where he remained until his retirement.

He was a faithful member of Gaskins Chapel A.M.E. Church, where he found fellowship and spiritual connection.

Growing up, James enjoyed the simple pleasures of community and sports. In his younger years, every little town had its own community football, baseball, and basketball teams, and James proudly played them all. He had a particular love for baseball and running and enjoyed being outdoors and staying active. James was also an avid traveler who had the opportunity to visit France, Germany, Finland, and Amsterdam. He especially enjoyed watching his nephew, B.A. Walker, play basketball overseas.

James was united in marriage to Ella Battle, with whom he shared many years of love and companionship.

Family was especially important to James. He looked forward to his weekly visits with his great granddaughters, Aria and Meya, and enjoyed staying connected with family members, especially his great nephews, who lived out of town through FaceTime. He also looked forward to the annual “August Party” at Bobby’s, a family tradition that brought loved ones together and created memories he cherished.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dorothy Walker; and his grandparents, Elizabeth and Linwood Drummond.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Ella Battle Walker; stepchildren, Irving Stratton of Suffolk, Virginia, Antonio Stratton of Waverly, Virginia, and Teresa Stratton of Norfolk, Virginia; sister, Eloise Evans; brother, Robert Walker III (Sheila); grandchildren, Irving Stratton II (Kenesha) of Savannah, Georgia, JaQwan Stratton (Kamry) of San Antonio, Texas, Darneisha Stratton of Houston, Texas, Shakia Lynch (Trey) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Aaliyah Green (Christopher) of Chesapeake, Virginia; aunts, Daisy Fletcher of Paterson, New Jersey, Juanita Hamilton of Paterson, New Jersey, and Ruth Davis Clifton of New Jersey; nephews, Tyree Walker (Ashley), B.A. Walker, and Charles Evans III (Quenietta); niece, Breonna Evans; sisters in-law, Dora West (Vincent), Paula Epps, Carleen Battle, and Aurelia Purnell, all of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and Audrey Parker (Chirstopher) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; his special cousin who he called his brother, Linwood Drummond of Delaware, Maryland; special friends, Jerry Harmon of Boston, Massachusetts, Rob McGill (Bernetta) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Hayward Cuthre of Norfolk, Virginia; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

James will be remembered for his love of family, his enjoyment of sports and travel, his quiet appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, and the memories he created with those he loved. His presence will be deeply missed, but the love he shared with his family and friends will remain in their hearts and memories forever.

Funeral services for  Mr. James L. Walker, of Norfolk,  will be conducted  Saturday, August 15th, at 11:00 AM from Gaskins Chapel AME Church, Savageville, Rev. Douglas P. Strand, Pastor. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Family and friends may call on Friday from 4:00-5:00 PM at the funeral home.

Arrangements by the Cooper & Humbles Funeral Co., Accomac.