James Kelly Walker

James Kelly Walker, Sr., 83, of Little Rock, AR, peacefully departed this life on Saturday, April 25, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and devotion to his family.

He was born on February 26, 1943, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Johnny Lee Walker, Sr. and Nealy Wilford Walker. He attended Little Rock public Schools, and graduated from Horace Mann High School in 1963. He entered the United States Army in 1963, proudly serving his country for 4 years as a receiving an honorable discharge.

He accepted Christ at an early age, and in later years became a faithful member and man of faith at Eighth Street Baptist Church serving under the leadership of Rev. Jameel Wesley, Sr. This was to become one of his greatest joys and his faith in God gave him strength during challenging times.

He lived through many seasons of life, some sunshine, some storms, and these seasons grew and matured him to become a man of wisdom courage and love. In his early years, he was united in marriage to Virgie Jones Walker and their marriage produced two children. They migrated to California in the early 70’s. During his years living in California, James worked for several manufacturing companies, and retired from Muni in San Francisco, CA as a Transit Operator for nearly 30 years. He was known for his strong work ethic, dedication, and commitment to providing for his family.

In later years, after he retired, James moved back to his home state of Arkansas and married Linda Washington Walker.

He intensely loved his family and friends. You would find him wherever they gathered. His hobbies were bowling, fishing, basketball, and every week he played pinchole with his “band of brothers”

A lover of Old School music, he ran a DJ business with his son Kelly, Jr. for parties, reunions, etc.

James will be remembered for his kind heart, his steady spirit, and the love he shared with those closest to him. His life was a testament to perseverance, faith, and the importance of

family bonds. Though he is no longer with us in the physical sense, his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

He was preceded in death by five beloved siblings, Martha Tappins, George Walker, Carolyn Collier, Johnny Walker Jr., and Linda Walker. He leaves to cherish his loving memories three children, Phyllis Walker of Dublin, CA, Rodney Walker of Pittsburg, CA, and James Kelly Walker, Jr of Little Rock, AR; and seven sisters, Beverly Blanchard, Shirley A. Williams, both of Little Rock, AR, Brenda Flowers (Robert) of McKinney, TX, Doris Walker, Helen Walker, both of Little Rock, AR, Marilyn Davis (Barry) of McKinney, TX, and Kym Armstrong of Bryant, AR. Six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. If you had the pleasure in knowing him. You know that he would always say that his name was “James Kelly Walker- Miller.” Finally, his “band of brothers” Lindsey Thomas (Faye), Roger Miller (Gloria), and Larry Miller (Doris), who he has known since early childhood and whose lives were inextricably woven together with his in the tapestry of life. If you had the pleasure in knowing him. You know that he would always say that his name was “James Kelly Walker- Miller.” These along with a host of cherished family members and dear friends who will continue to honor his life and legacy.

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5:8

“Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”