James Mitchell Walker

James Mitchell Walker, 77 Lakeland: James Mitchell Walker, 77, of Lakeland passed away on June 7, 2013 after a lengthy struggle with COPD. He was born on March 13, 1936 in Ft. Meade, Florida to Frances and George Walker. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and was a veteran of the Korean War. He subsequently attended Florida State University where he received his bachelors and masters degrees in Economics. During the 1960s he worked for the US government initially in the Atlanta Branch of the Housing and Urban Development and Travel Service Agency. He returned to Tampa, Florida to set up Florida Regional Medical Services, a nonprofit organization that administers government funded medical services. In 1978 he moved to Schenectady, NY taking a position as a regional grants manager for the State University of New York and was eventually promoted to the Director of Human Resources and Personnel. Jim and his wife retired to Polk County Florida. He enjoyed reading, spending time with his dog Bear and three cats. He also traveled visiting places in Florida which held fond memories. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Juliana and three children, Thomas, William and Juliana Michelle and four grandchildren, Tyler, Madison, Jordan, Liam. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday June 11, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at Heath Funeral Chapel with a reception following in the Tribute Center. Interment will be at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida at 2:00 P.M. Service: 06/11/2013 Heath Funeral Chapel 328 South Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, Florida 33801