James Arthur Walker

James Arthur Walker, age 95, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing James quickly discovered that his greatest joys in life were his family of whom he was immensely proud, along with a good day’s hard work, tending his garden, working on the farm, and serving his community.

James was born at home on August 1, 1930, in the Brimstone community to Thomas Nelson and Zida Kline Walker. He was the youngest of 6 children. He graduated from Robbins High School in 1950 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee Polytechnic Institute (now Tennessee Technological University) in 1954.  He began his lifelong career in education in August 1954, teaching chemistry, biology, and general science at Robbins High School. In 1962, he was appointed assistant principal. His commitment to education continued as he was awarded a National Science Fellowship at Middle Tennessee State University, where he attended for three summers while working toward his master’s degree. He earned his Master of Science degree in chemistry and biology in August 1971. That same year, he was appointed principal of Robbins Elementary School, a position he held with dedication until his retirement from the Scott County School System in August 1986.

Never one to remain idle, James embraced retirement with the same energy and purpose that defined his career. He became director of the Summer Youth Employment Program through ETHRA, helping connect local employers with high school students for meaningful summer work and job training. He also taught biology for five years at Roane State Community College. His “retirement” years were active, fulfilling, and deeply impactful—just as he preferred.

Service to his community was central to James’s life. He served on the Scott County Hospital Board of Directors from 1968 to 1981 and was a charter member of the Scott County Planning Commission. He played a key role in organizing the Highland Health Council’s Board of Directors and went on to serve on the Mountain People’s Health Council Board for more than 50 years, many of those as chairman. He was also a founding member of the Robbins Community Club (South Scott County Community Club), which helped develop a walking track, playground, and community gathering space near the school where he taught for 32 years.

James was a Master Mason for 74 years with Scott County Lodge No. 670 and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Sunshine Chapter No. 279 for 73 years. His lifelong dedication to service was recognized with the Scott County Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006 and the Caryl E. Carpenter Excellence in Community Support Award in 2013.

James is survived by his loving wife of over 62 years, Joann Standifer Walker of Tazewell; his daughter, Michelle Trieschmann, and her husband, Ralph; and his cherished grandchildren, Abigail Trieschmann Connolly and her husband, Patrick, and Walker Trieschmann. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews: Rebecca Walker, Ronald Moser (Joyce), Larry Moser (Gina), Nancy Hudson (Jim), Martha Walker, George Walker (Betty), Leshia Walker Martin (Craig), Jeannie Day Sudberry (Steve), Ted Wilson, Ronnie Standifer (Debbie), and Gary Standifer (Cindy), as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews, and his sister-in-law, Beverly Walker.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Kline Walker (Luverna), Helen Moser (Ralph), Stanley Walker (Mary), Leon Walker (Dillis), and Lawrence Walker; his sister-in-law, Dorothy Standifer Day (Dave); his brother-in-law, Odra Standifer (Anna Mae); and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Craig Martin, David Moser, Jr., Ronald Moser, Larry Moser, Ronnie Satterfield, and Mark Kline. Honorary pallbearers are Lloyd King and Randy Kepler.
He maintained his membership in the Slick Rock Baptist Church but attended and was involved with the First Baptist Church of Robbins for over 60 years. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Jones & Son Funeral Home in Oneida, Tennessee, with Rev. Mike Smithers officiating. Family visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with public visitation at 11:00 a.m., and the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Cemetery in Tazewell, Tennessee, with a brief graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in James’s honor to the South Scott Community Club, P.O. Box 313, Robbins, TN 37852, or to First Baptist Church of Robbins, 6547 Scott Hwy, Robbins, TN 37852.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and therapists of Quality Home Health and to the nurses and physicians at Big South Fork Medical Center and Mountain People’s Health Council in Winfield for their exceptional care, compassion, and kindness shown to James and his family.

Jones & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of James Arthur Walker.

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