Remembering
John J. Walker

I sadly just learned of John's passing last evening. Mr Walker was one of my favorite teachers when I was in DJHS. In fact, he was one of the reasons I became an English teacher too. Years later when I became a teacher at DJHS, he became one of my most respected mentors. At first, I stumbled every time I called him John (I think it was hard for him to hear too,) but then he became my trusted friend. I will always remember the fond memories I have of him both as my teacher and my friend. My sincerest sympathies go out to Audrey, Kelly, John Jr. and their families. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

John was a great teacher and baseball coach. I will remember him fondly except when he paddled me for talking in class. I deserved it. I went golfing with John as an adult. I learned to appreciate his humor.

Mr. Walker was one of my favorite teacher's while at Downingtown Junior High. He made our English class enjoyable and commanded such great respect from his students. His class was always enjoyable and you could always tell how much he enjoyed his craft. Once I got to DHS he became Coach Walker to me. He led our basketball program with class and dignity, always preaching discipline and sportsmanship. He never made excuses or blamed the refs and he shouldered every defeat while crediting the players for every win. He used to roll his eyes at me when I thought and acted like I was Charles Barkley in practice and in a playful manner, I would roll my eyes back at him every time he would say that he was "tickled pink". I remember one time I asked if he could stop saying "tickled pink" in the newspapers. He asked why and I said it just sounds weird. He just paused and looked at me for about 10 seconds then said "You're weird", then he cracked a smile and gave me a playful shove as if to say, "get outta here". I think the best he ever got me was when John and I would hang out and John would always come to my house. Coach Walker asked me why I always have John over, but I never came over there. I told him that I didn't want it to look like I was brown nosing the basketball coach. He got me good by saying "it doesn't matter, your never gonna play anyway". Haha! John Walker Sr. was truly a great man who will be missed by all of his former students and former players. I will forever be grateful for the positive impact this man had on me throughout high school. Mrs. Walker, Kelly and John, you are in my thoughts and prayers. You were very lucky to have this great man as a husband and father, may he now rest in peace.

I'll always remember the good times we had at the Downingtown Jr. High. Rest in peace John. With heartfelt sympathy from John Kiefel and family.

I remember John as a mentor, devoted teacher and family man. I heard yesterday about his illness and passing. I just want to send my condolences and deepest sympathy to his wife Audrey and children Kelly and John. I taught at Downingtown Jr. High School from 1970-1976, my first teaching job! I appreciated John's leadership and experience. I'm at a point in my life where I look back often, realizing the journey I have taken in education and in my life. I know John affected the lives of so many young students who found in him a role model. It was easy to see during those six years at Downingtown that John was greatly respected and loved. I send my deepest sympathy to his beautiful wife Audrey and beloved children and grandchildren. May you always feel John's love and presence as your journey continues here on earth. With deepest sympathy, Linda (and Rocky) Watson

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Walker's passing. I was one of his early students (1971-72) and remember him vividly. He was an extraordinary teacher who challenged each of us. I knew him all through high school through basketball. All of my prayers for your family. Mr. Walker left you too soon...

My condolences to the family. Mr. Walker was a good man, teacher, and coach. He was a huge part in the lives of many young men, teaching us how to celebrate life's victories and accept defeat with class and dignity. He will be missed.

Audrey and Family, I am so sorry to hear about John. I lost my Daddy on Thursday,Ron Turner. The pain is more then I can bear at times. I hear it gets better but I honestly, do not know how. I enjoyed spending our hair cut times together, hearing about all your family vacations in the mountains and camping at the shore together. I am deeply sorry and thinking about you. I will miss John, so very much. Dawn, his hair stylist for a very long time:)

Wayne, Aimee and I send our deepest condolences to Audrey, Kelly, John Jr. and their families. We were connected by our sons and their friendship and activities at Downingtown. John was a kind and caring, gentle man. It was our pleasure to have spent time in his company!

To the Walker family...what a wonderful person John was...warm hearted, sincere, funny, caring and most of all a beautiful human soul....I had the pleasure of knowing "Mr.Walker" as a fellow teacher at Downingtown Jr. High...easy going, thorough, loved by students and faculty...I remember most lunch time in the faculty room and his tales of endless prowess with the "grill"...summer, winter, spring, or fall...lol, also his delight in defying stereotypes,personally, and in his interactions with students..May your loving memories sustain you as you face the days ahead without him.

Prayers for you and your family John on the passing of your father, but also blessings and thanks for the privilege of knowing such a wonderful man. Still to this day I find myself re-telling jokes that I learned many years ago from him in class. I smile when I think of him. Your Friend, Tara (Stahler)

Dear John and Family: I was so saddened today to see the notice of Mr. Walker's passing. He was a terrific teacher and I remember his class fondly. 9th grade would not have been the same without his leadership and genuine love of teaching. I am grateful that his work has left such an impact on me these many years later. I hope that you find comfort in knowing that he was truly one of the best parts of Downingtown. Peace and prayers to you. Fondly, Beth (Beccone) Fahey