James "Jim" W. Walker

James Woodrow “Jim” Walker, age 98, departed this life to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Compass Health Care in Mebane. Jim grew up in Cowpens, SC, a very small mill town, in upper SC, near Spartanburg. For 71 years, he was the husband of Carmela Muccio “Millie” Walker, who proceeded him in death in 2019. He is the father of Kenneth J. Walker (Julie) of Mebane, NC and John P. Walker (Valicia) of Huntersville, NC. Born on October 20, 1926, Jim was the son of the late James Roosevelt and Maggie Stephens Walker of Cowpens, SC. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother and sister, Joseph E. Walker and Shirley Walker Carson. 

Jim is survived by 5 grandchildren, Stephen (Rachel) Walker of Supply, NC, James B. (Elissa) Walker of Wilmington, NC, John B. (Jessica) Walker of Mebane NC, Megan Walker of Columbia, SC and Logan Walker of Charlotte, NC. His seven great grandchildren are Meredith and Charlotte Walker of Supply, NC, Emelia, Elena and Jett Walker of Wilmington, NC and Finley and Naomi Walker of Mebane, NC. In addition, Jim is survived by nieces and nephews and countless friends.

At the early age of 17, Jim wanted to escape the confines of School and Mill work and “forged” his way into the Navy to serve his county in World War II. He enlisted in the Navy, January, 1944, initially training to become an underwater demolition specialist ( pre-Navy Seals) but due to double pneumonia was shifted to the Pacific theatre serving as Admiral’s orderly, on AGC 14 Teton. Following WW II, Jim attended Radar School in Boston, Mass. where he met a young USO hostess, Carmela (Millie) Muccio, who became his dance partner for life. In 1948, Jim signed up for a second tour of Duty, this time in the Atlantic theatre, and squeezed in marriage with Millie, on December 18, 1948. Many stories could be shared how God spared his life during his time in the Pacific, thru severe health issues, and brushes with death from the enemy.

Following his 2 tours of duty, Jim and Millie settled in Clinton, SC. Jim started working in Belk’s Department Store Shoe Department. It became apparent to all those associated with Jim that he was a born salesman. After multiple moves over the next few years, he took the family from Florida to South Carolina and finally landed in Burlington, NC with a six year old and a new born in tow. During the 1960’s Jim began working for himself owning a shoe store (J & J Bootery) and later as a jobber/wholesaler. In the 60’s and early 70’s he opened the Hitchin Post & Factory Wholesale on Harden St. in Burlington, being one of the early “outlets” in Burlington as well as NC. He produced his own radio commercials and coined the phrase “ Shop where a Dollar is still worth a Dollar”. That tagline also was used in his print media. Soon, Jim became known as the “Dollar” man and even in his later years, folks often would refer to Jim in that fashion.

In 1977, another business venture was begun with Jim, Ken Walker and Ken’s brother-in-law David Scott. This apparel venture became known as JDK Enterprises. Initially, it was strictly a wholesale clothing company but in 1979 was relocated to Mebane with David and Ken opening a large retail and wholesale operation known as JDK. Jim’s passion for “peddling” continued so he launched out selling locally to individuals as well as small establishments in the area with his van. He never met a stranger and you were in danger of his “sales pitch” if you looked like you needed a new shirt or sweater.

Jim was also open-handed when a need presented itself to him. He was passionate about Mission work and became involved with J.L. Williams and the New Directions Ministries. He had the privilege to go on mission trips with J.L. and was greatly blessed to share that work. In March of 2020, Jim relocated to Hawfields Crossing in Mebane and was able to fellowship with Crosslink Church. He loved the early morning service and Pastor Ken Tilley’s messages. Jim’s spiritual journey took many twists and turns over the years but as he aged, Jesus became most precious to him and in his last days, he longed to be in heaven with his Savior, Jesus Christ, and once again see his “Kate”. The Lord granted his desire on Sunday evening, December 15, 2024.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, December 20, 2024 at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel, 2205 S. Church St., Burlington, NC 27215. Military honors will be provided by the US Naval Honor Guard. The family will receive friends following the service and Interment will follow with a private family burial. The Family would like to thank Compass Healthcare of Hawfields as well as AuthoraCare Hospice for their loving care of Jim in his final days. 

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to: Feed the Hunger, PO Box 14874, Greensboro, NC 27415, Web address: feedthehunger.org, Email:info@feedthehunger.org