Dr. James Walker (Jim)

James Milton Walker (Jim) passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on March 7th , 2023 in his 81st year. Born on August 11th ,1942 to Edna York and Milton Walker of Russell, ON.

Jim was seldom found without an animal in his arms and a smile on his face. At 11 years of age, he raised and showed his calf Daisy May and together they won Grand Champion at the Central Canada Exhibition. Jim’s early years were spent playing sports, excelling in school and finding small town adventure with friends in Russell. After high school, Jim attended Carleton University and received his B.Sc. in Biology in 1966. He went on to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (OVC 1970) at the University of Guelph, graduating at the top of his class. Jim later completed his Masters of Science in Disease Pathology. It was here at the University of Guelph that he met the love of his life, Anne Shier and they began to build a life together. Jim and Anne married in 1971 and eventually settled in Ottawa where Jim started working at the Alta Vista Animal Hospital. Nine years later, in 1980, Jim bought the Lynwood Animal Hospital and fulfilled his dream of running his own practice. Jim was a compassionate and skilled veterinarian. His dedication and hard work saw his practice grow and he was loved by his four-legged patients and owners alike.

Despite the long hours required of his profession, Jim was first and foremost a family man. Never too busy or too tired to play, teach or coach, he encouraged and supported his three children through all of their endeavours. His fun loving and joking nature made for many priceless memories. In his retirement years, Jim pursued his other passions: playing hockey well into his senior years, golfing with friends, adventures with grandchildren, spending time at the cottage on Bobs Lake, travelling with Anne and serving on the Disciplinary Board for the College of Veterinarians of Ontario.

Jim will be deeply missed forever by his devoted wife Anne (nee Shier), children Cathy (Neil), Miriam, James (Ximena), grandchildren Brian, Ava, Carmen and Vanessa, sister Arlo Boyce (Eddie), brother-in-law Gerry (Dawn), sister-in-law Marilyn (predeceased), nephews Dale (AnneMarie) and Scott (Lynda), nieces Sherri (Joe), Cynthia (Dean), Trilby and Leslie (Chris) along with cousins and many cherished friends. His legacy of kindness and compassion will live on.

Heartfelt thanks to the Staff at the Courtyards on Eagleson for their care and kindness. Special thanks to Nom and previous dedicated caregivers.

An opportunity to share memories of Jim will be held at the Bell’s Corners United Church 3955 Old Richmond Rd. on Saturday April 1st, Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by service at 11a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s honour to the Clear Foundation https://clearalzheimers.ca/ or the Ottawa Humane Society https://ottawahumane.ca/