James L. “Jim” Walker, age 79, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses, Kansas. He was born in Walsh, Colorado, on December 31, 1946, the son of Clarence and Pansy (Hartley) Walker.

Jim was born and raised in Walsh, Colorado, where he attended elementary school before moving on to high school in Johnson, Kansas, and later in Lamar, Colorado. Jim earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University. From 1966 to 1968, Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. In 1970, he married the love of his life, Betty Jane Neuman, in Ellsworth, Kansas. Jim retired after 35 years of working at Pioneer Communications as Data Processing Manager. Beyond his professional life, he was an active member of his community. He belonged to the American Legion, the Jaycees, and the Ulysses Men’s Golf Association. Jim loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing and golfing. Nothing brought him more happiness than “chasing his grandchildren”.

He is survived by his sons, Jeff Walker and wife Trisha of Ulysses, and Mike Walker and wife Michelle of Lake Havasu City, AZ; grandchildren, Devin Walker and wife Morgan of Omaha, NE, Lance Walker and fiancé Clare of Ulysses, KS, Zachary Walker of Lake Havasu City, AZ, Bryant Walker of Denver, CO, Emberlyn Walker of Denver, CO, Jadin Watt of Denver, CO, Aspen Steinbock of Lake Havasu City, AZ, and Carter Watt of Denver, CO; one great-grandson, Liam Walker; his longtime friend and companion, Sharon Nagel.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Betty Walker; two brothers and two sisters.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Ulysses Men’s Golf Association to benefit youth golfers in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, Kansas 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.