Mike Walker

James Michael Walker (Mike), beloved son, father, partner, brother, grandfather, uncle and incredible friend to so many passed away unexpectedly at home on March 20th, 2023, at the age of 66.

Mike was one of four children born to Charles and Margaret Walker on March 31st, 1956, in Dallas, Texas. He grew up and was a lifelong resident of Richardson, Texas.

After graduating from JJ Pearce High School in 1974, Mike married and started his family. He had three beautiful children who he loved and adored very much. Michael was born in 1981, Kara followed in 1983 and then Jonathan in 1988. Mike worked at various jobs until he decided to peruse his education and attended DeVry University. After receiving his Associates Degree, he started working at Dallas Semiconductor (Maxim) where he was employed for nearly 29 years, working as an Integrated Circuit Staff Layout Designer. Mike thoroughly enjoyed his successful career and took great pride in his work before retiring in January 2018, and continued to do contract work for the company until mid-2021.

Mike had a love for sports and was huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. He enjoyed going to see games in person, and also hosting watch parties where he could grill for friends and family. Mike’s true passion was bowling, which was introduced to him at a very young age. His parents opened Town North Bowling Alley in 1958 where he was a permanent fixture until it closed in 1985. He continued to bowl throughout his life, sometimes up to three times a week in various leagues. Throughout the years he traveled all over the U.S. to compete in bowling tournaments at places such as Las Vegas, Reno, Pensacola and New Orleans to name a few. His biggest accomplishment and the highlight of his bowling career occurred in June 2018 when he bowled his first perfect 300 game! He went on to bowl three more perfect games between 2019 and 2020.

Mike enjoyed taking road trips all over the U.S., and no distance was too far to drive! He really appreciated nature’s beauty and tried to visit as many national parks as he could. Some of his favorite vacations included seeing the Grand Canyon, weekend trips to San Antonio, Chicago, Nashville, Key West and New Orleans. His most recent trip was in November 2022 when he and Judy took a cruise to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. Mike had a huge fondness for Harley Davidson motorcycles and participated in many bike rallies. His furthest bike excursion took him all the way to South Dakota to attend the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Mike’s other hobbies included fishing, hunting, camping and grilling. Mike also treasured spending time and making memories with his family and friends.

In 2003 Mike began dating Judy. Their relationship quickly grew into a lasting love for each other. They have spent the last 20 years of their partnership enjoying their favorite past times together.

Mike will always be remembered for his huge heart, gentle soul, generosity, selflessness, loyalty and kindness. No matter if it was a stranger or someone he knew, Mike was always willing to help anyone in need.

Mike is survived by mother, Margaret Walker, children Michael, Kara and Jonathan (Mayra) Walker, partner Judy Hostler, brother Boo Walker (Lea), sister Laura Pitcock (Bobby), sister Cheryl Hearnsberger (Lance), grandchildren Noah, Cole and Carolina, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Walker.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Allen Family Funeral Options, with a reception to follow immediately after. The service will be webcast live at: http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/86468

If desired, and in lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Mike’s memory to the Aphasia Network at: https://www.aphasianetwork.org/donations