James David "Jimmy" Walker

James David “Jimmy” Walker, 75, of Morganton, NC died Sunday, June 21, 2015.  Born in Cleveland County, NC on November 17, 1939, he was the son of the late James Bryon Walker and Ruby Hipps Walker.  He was of the Baptist faith.  James was a veteran of the N.C. Army National Guard, later served with the U.S. Air Force in Germany, and then served with the U. S. Air Force Reserve.  He attained his solo pilot license and was an avid motorcyclist for many years.  He loved to travel and listen to country music.  James began his telecommunications career with Southern Bell, which later became Bellsouth then AT&T, from which he retired after 32 years of service.

Mr. Walker is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kaye Stroupe Walker of the home; daughters, Dana Weaver and her husband, Jason, of Charlotte, NC and Tracy Furtado and her husband, Mark, of Live Oak, TX; and a number of nephews and nieces.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by a sister, Sonja Kay Lutz.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center.  A cryptside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 25, 2015 at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum with Rev. David Orders officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the N.C. National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Telecom Pioneers Foundation, New Outlook Pioneers Projects, 1801 California Street, 44th Floor, Denver, CO 80202 or to the Patient Access Network Foundation, 1331 F Street, NW, Suite 975, Washington, DC 20004.