Born: Sunday Dec-02-1928
Died: Wednesday Aug-06-2014
Funeral: Thursday Aug-21-2014

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

James Laurence Walkington, 85, of Burley, passed away, Wednesday, August 6, 2014 following a brief illness. Jim was a lifelong resident of Idaho. He was born in Hazelton on Dec. 2, 1928 to Ethlyn (Lindley) and Laurence Walkington. The eldest of three boys, with his brothers William (Bill), and Lindley (Lin), he grew up on a potato farm, where he learned the value of hard honest work.  He attended the University of Idaho, graduating in 1956 with a degree in agricultural engineering. He also enlisted in the US Army in 1951, serving in France. He married Louise Ward, a great friend and companion to him, in 1983. She predeceased him in 1997.  Their children include Laurie and Daniel Ingram, two grandchildren: Darin, and Allen, and 5 great-granddaughters. Other relatives include; sister-in-law, Pat Walkington, of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin,  niece Lynn W. Bennett, of Palm Bay, Florida, nephews, David Walkington of Dallas, Texas, and Mike Walkington of  Madison, Wisconsin, , great nephew, Brian W. Bennett ,  and great nieces, Melody and Angela Walkington. He was employed as a foreman at the JR Simplot potato processing plant for many years,  Later in life, he was an agricultural potato inspector for the USDA. He traveled in this job all around the Northwest.  He enjoyed this type of work, going out around the area to see the crops. He was a true farm boy at heart. However, he also enjoyed a good hearty discussion about the day's events and of politics, at the local coffee shop with the guys. This was a part of his daily routine for many years. He also enjoyed his family, too, spending many hours on the phone with his brother, Bill, from Wisconsin.  They had grown up together on the family farm, close knit, due to being born exactly one year and two days apart. He and Bill were placed side-by-side in the same grade, in the old Greenwood District School, on up through high school at Hazelton. All three brothers studied at the Univ. of Idaho, and served their country in the military.  Bill and Lin in the US Air Force, and Jim in the US Army. Lindley,the youngest, was killed in an auto accident in 1956. Bill, his closest brother, predeceased him in death in last summer.  He also was a faithful and devoted father to Laurie and Daniel, and loving grand- and great-grandfather. He enjoyed their company and visits very much. Recently, they had gone on a short trip camping around the Snake River. He liked to have family around and kept up with their interests and activities.  He also enjoyed his church and club memberships.  He was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Burley for many years. He went on a church trip to France with members several years ago, traveling back to where he had served in US Army. He also was a Freemason, belonging to Lodge #68 in Burley, of the 4th Masonic District of Idaho.  Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 21, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church, 2100 Burton Ave. in Burley with Pastor Joseph Andrews, officiating.  Urn placement will follow in the Declo Cemetery with Military Rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization.  Cremation arrangements and services are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home & Crematory in Rupert. Donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, or to a charity of choice.