James Robert Walker

Obituary For James Robert Walker

James Robert Walker, age 85, passed away on December 24, 2024, when the Christmas Angels led him home. He was born in Alamogordo, New Mexico, on July 14, 1939, to Horace H. Walker and Lena (Woolf) Walker. He grew up in Truth or Consequences (which was named Hot Springs at that time) and moved to California with his parents at the age of ten. He was married for 66 years to his childhood sweetheart, La Vern (Shelton) Walker.

Jim served in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965, working in communications and stationed in Germany for a year and a half. Fortunately, his wife, La Vern, was able to join him, and they spent much of their spare time traveling around Europe. Jim graduated from Sacramento State, Sacramento, California, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration in 1967. He served as the City Manager of Pleasanton, California, for 10 years. Prior to his appointment as City Manager, he worked for the city in various positions for 12 years, including Director of Finance and Assistant City Manager.

Jim always dreamed of being a rancher. Upon his retirement in 1990, he and his wife, La Vern, bought a cattle ranch in the San Andres Mountains of New Mexico, where he ranched for over 20 years. He served on the Board for the Farm Service Agency and was a member of the Historical Society of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

Jim and La Vern retired from ranching in 2010 and moved to Elephant Butte, New Mexico. During their retirement, he built numerous pieces of custom Southwest furniture for their home. He loved roses and spent many hours tending to his rose garden, caring for over 40 different varieties. Jim also enjoyed playing the guitar and singing with his wife, La Vern.

Jim was known for his mild nature, his gentle but witty sense of humor, and his loyalty and dedication as a husband and son. He was never happier than when he was with his wife. They lived a happy and content life together—in the city, ranching, and throughout their retirement years. Early morning coffee on the back porch was a joy they treasured until his very last days.

Jim is survived by his wife, La Vern (Shelton) Walker, and his sister, Kim (Walker) Lucero. He was preceded in death by his father, Horace H. Walker; his mother, Lena (Woolf) Walker; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ernest T. Shelton and Ida Ruth (Freeman) Shelton.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Baptist Church of Truth or Consequences on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Truth or Consequences, P.O. Box 329, Truth or Consequences, NM 87901.