Rev. James Donivan Walker

June 15, 1928 - February 10, 2019

Reverend James Donivan Walker was born June 15, 1928 in Knox County, Missouri to James Elwin and Hazel Fern (Golbricht) Walker and passed away February 10, 2019, in Salem, Missouri at the age of ninety years. James grew up in northern Missouri and graduated from Labelle High School. He attended Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri and became an ordained minister. He was pastor at Lighthouse Assembly in Salem for many years. On September 23, 1956, James Donivan Walker was united in marriage to Mildred Nadine Martin in Labelle, Missouri and to this union three children were born. James enjoyed farming and raised cattle most of his life. In 1968, he bought a farm in Salem and moved his family to Salem a few years later. His passion was basketball. He was a great basketball player in high school. James also enjoyed playing softball on church leagues in Salem until he was 69 years old. He was usually the pitcher. James' greatest passion was winning souls. He was a great prayer warrior and believed in "praying through". James pioneered and built three churches in his lifetime. He was a faithful husband and a good dad. He also was very fond of his grandchildren. In the last few years James has been content to be cared for by his daughter, Cheri and grandson, Gabriel. He was a joy! A few weeks ago Cheri asked him if he was getting tired and wanting to go to heaven and he replied, "I'm not in any hurry". Preceding him in death were his parents, Elwin James and Hazel Walker; daughter, Teresa Walker; granddaughter, Anna Grace Chang; three sisters, Vivian Spear, Wanda Sharpe and Verda Wear. Survivors include his children, Jim Walker and wife, Rita of Salem, MO, Cheri Chang of Salem, MO; brother, Earl Walker of Palmyra, MO; grandchildren, Billy Usery, Melissa Usery, Kimberly Cook and husband, Chad, Jimmy Walker, Gabriel Chang; great grandchildren, Sierra Todd, Cody Gammon, Cooper Davis, Billy Usery, Katelynn Usery, Kayla Usery, Dillon Cook, Landon Cook, Nolan Swank, Logan Walker, Nathan Bailey and Jase Walker; extended family and friends. James will be sadly and deeply missed, but fondly remembered by all those who knew and loved him. Funeral Services for Rev. James Donivan Walker were held Saturday, February 16, 2019 in the Lighthouse Assembly Church in Salem, MO with Minister Cheri Chang officiating. Other speakers were: Pastor Rod Farthing, Earl Walker, Chris McGuirt, and Dan Smith. Special Music was sung by Rachel Lambert which included: "How Great Thou Art", "When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder" and "Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone". Serving as Pallbearers were Cody Gammon, Billy Usery, Jr., Landon Cook, Nolan Swank, Dillon Cook and Logan Walker. Honorary Pallbearers were Gabriel Chang, Jace Walker, Billy Usery Sr., Jimmy Walker III and Nathan Bailey. Interment was in the Cedar Grove Cemetery in Salem, MO. All arrangements under the care and direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem.