James “Jim” Edward Walker, 86, of Bellefonte, was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Born on September 9, 1939, in Altoona, he was the son of the late Charles W. Walker, Jr. and Bertha (Wiesinger) Walker. In 1960, he married Gail Stuhlmiller, who preceded him in death in 2011, after sharing 50 years of marriage together. In 2019, he married Debra (Moore Kalmbach) Walker, who survives at home.
Jim was a 1957 graduate of Hamburg Senior High School, where he was a prominent football player. He went on to further his education at Penn State University, where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Geology and Minerology in 1961. In 1957 and 1958, Jim was in reserve officer training while in college for the Air Force. During his senior year in college, he took the test for the Navy to go into flight school training. He passed the written test and then went to Willow Grove Naval Air Station for a physical, at which time his right eye did not meet the qualifications for pilot training. He worked as a ceramic engineer for Bethlehem Steel in Lackawanna, NY for 25 years and then as a senior sales representative for Harbison Walker Refractories in Lansing, IL. He remained there for another 10 years until his retirement. During his career he worked as a gemstone mine supervisor in Kenya, Africa.
In addition to his wife, Debbie, he is survived by his children, Jayme Holcomb (Don) of Seattle, WA, Jill Fulop (Bryan) of Collegeville, PA, and James “Jimmy” Walker (Tiffany) of Collegeville, PA; eight grandchildren: James, Meghan (Jake), Lizzy, Erik, Brett, Scott, Abby, and Emma; and one great-granddaughter, Charlotte.
Along with his first wife and parents, he was predeceased by a brother, William R. Walker.
Jim was a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association and the National Rifleman’s Association. Additionally, he was a member of the Milesburg Baptist Church, where he served on the Council Board. He loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with all his heart. Jim’s favorite song was Just a Closer Walk with Thee.
Jim was an avid hunter, fisherman, and archer. He truly loved the great outdoors. He so enjoyed gardening and reading. In his earlier years, he enjoyed camping and golfing. Each November he looked forward to going deer hunting in the Allegheny State Park in New York with his son and hunting buddies. Additionally, he was invited twice to the nationally televised Hawaiian Invitational Fishing Tournament in Hawaii. He was also an avid Penn State football and Buffalo Bills fan, attending many games throughout his lifetime. Jim was also a true American Patriot.
A public viewing will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM, at Milesburg Baptist Church, 110 Market Street, Milesburg. Funeral services will begin at 4:00 PM, at the church, with Rev B. Jeff Trawinski officiating. Burial services will be held at 11:00am, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Summit Hill Cemetery in Howard. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jim to the Milesburg Baptist Church, 110 Market Street, Milesburg, PA 16853 or to the Leukemia Research Foundation by going to https://leukemiarf.org/donate/
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com.