VISITATION: Sunday 2 to 5
at Unger-Horner

FUNERAL: Monday 10:30at St.Patrick Catholic Church

James Phillip "JP" Walker, 63, of Holiday, Florida, formerly of Rochelle, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, Aug.7, 2012, at his home in Florida after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on Dec. 1, 1948, in Rochelle, IL, to George W. and Lois J. (Gruben) Walker. JP married Mary Ann O'Brien on Nov. 17, 1973, in Rochelle. He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law: George and Pauline O'Brien, and brothers-in-law: Mark Burton, and Mike O'Brien.

He honorably served his country as part of the United States Army in Viet-Nam and was a life member of the VFW. He was also a member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church. He worked in the remodeling field with Bill Eber Remodeling, Al Zullo, KDA, and finally, as part owner of All-American Kitchens.

A devoted family man, JP loved being surrounded by his family and friends. Many gatherings happened at his home, from pool parties to just hanging out on the back porch. He was also a man that lent a helping hand whenever needed. JP cared for many, and it showed in all he did. He was known as Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle J, Brother, Uncle, and friend, but mostly as loved and greatly missed.

Survivors include his wife: Mary Walker of Florida; 2 sons: Anthony (Laura) Walker of Highland, IL, and Brian (Jill) Walker of Raleigh, NC; 2 brothers: Terry (Barb) Walker of Champaign, IL and Roger (Jan) Walker of Phoenix, AZ; 5 sisters: Susan Burton of Poplar Grove, IL, Nancy (Tom) Daugherty of Rochelle, IL, Janna (Larry) Link of Sycamore, IL , Julie Dusing of Apokala, FL and Lisa (Jim) Palmer of Longwood, FL; 3 grandchildren: Madelyn, George, and Maxwell Walker; 10 brothers and sister-in-laws: Pat (Marcia) O'Brien, Rochelle, John (Ann) O'Brien, Rochelle, Tim (Bev) O'Brien, Rochelle, Kathy (Mike) Dailey, Rochelle, Margaret O'Brien, Holiday, FL, Tom O'Brien, Rochelle, Bill (Carmen) O'Brien, Marion, IA, Sharon O'Brien, Rockford, Vinnie (Debbie) O'Brien, Rochelle, Carrie (Jim) Cappel, Channahon, IL, and Uncle J's girls - Kiley & Kelsey O'Brien.


Services will be held at St. Patrick Church in Rochelle on Monday, Aug. 13, 2012 at 10:30 AM.

Visitation will be at Unger-Horner Funeral Home on Sunday, Aug. 12th from 2 to 5 PM. Burial will be at St. Patrick Cemetery. A special thank you to everyone at Gulfside Regional Hospice, especially Astrid, Judy, Karen, and Hubert for the kind and compassionate care given to JP. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made to the Gulfside Regional Hospice, 6117 Trouble Creek Rd., New Port Richey, FL 34653.