James Hugh Walker, 85, of Clute, passed on to his eternal life as the sun rose in the early morning of December 25, 2015. He had been in failing health for the past several months and his journey in this earthly life was done, and his faith and lot in life was proven.

James was born on February 9, 1930, to Viola Lowery and Joe Wheeler Walker near Huntsville, Texas. He moved to Clute, Texas, when he was 14 years old to live with his uncle Lonnie Lowery, who put him to work earning fifty cents a day, which was the beginning of his work ethic. This hard work ethic continued throughout his life, even after falling off a bridge as an ironworker, 50 feet below when he was 18 years old, and breaking and crushing numerous bones, and remaining crippled the rest of his life. He was a member of Ironworker's Local Union No. 135, where his work would take him all over the U.S. He was a man of honor and integrity, who always thought a handshake, was as good as a signed contract. His good works and generous nature endeared him to many, as he was always willing to lend a helping hand.

James always had a soft spot in his heart for children, which led to him and his wife, Elsie, raising their four nieces and one nephew as their own. Elsie and James also owned and operated Seaview Motel for many years in Surfside in their later years. Last, but not least, he held the honor of being a 32 ^nd Degree Mason, and a longtime member of El Mina Shriner, Galveston, Texas.

James is survived by: his three daughters, Evelyn Todd & husband Gary of Angleton, Rose Ann Danford & husband John of Brazoria, and Henrietta Marek of Friendswood; five grandchildren, Jacelyn Todd, Reeana Reddell, Jeana Garris, Loryn Childers, and JoBeth Todd; 6 great grandchildren; special friend Eva (who took very good care of him for the past three years); and two little Chihuahuas who are lost without him.

James was preceded in death by: his wife Elsie Walker; mother Viola Wenzel; father Joe Wheeler Walker; step father Pat Wenzel; sister Betty Jean Thomas; brother Leon Wenzel; and children Gene Marek and Kathy Woods.

Go rest high on that mountain in Heaven, daddy, until we see you again.

Funeral Service: 2 pm, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, at Kubena Funeral Home with Visitation starting at 12 noon that Saturday. Officiant: Pastor Melanie Monroe. Burial: Vsetin Cemetery in Vsetin, Texas.