Sir James 'Jim' Walker CBE, the former director of Walker's Shortbread, has died at the age of 80.
The beloved grandfather-of-six passed away at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on Sunday, December 15.
Son of the late James and Winnie Walker, and younger brother of the late Joe and Marjorie Walker, Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Jennifer, his children Jacqui, Jamie, Bryony and Alastair, and six cherished grandchildren Logan, Romy, Joshua, Torren, Joanie and Wyatt.
Born in Elgin in 1944, Jim joined the family bakery in 1962 and was the driving force behind the business' growth and success.
For over 60 years, he dedicated his life to creating and building the iconic Walker’s brand across the world.
Jim was incredibly hard working; he was devoted to building strong personal relationships founded on trust with those he met on his travels. Many of these became enduring partnerships, lasting decades.
Working alongside his brother Joe as a joint managing director, Jim was instrumental in transforming the small, family-run bakery in Aberlour into a global brand with a turnover of £184million in 2023 - up from £40,000 when he first joined the business.
In 2002 he was awarded the Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth in 2002.
More recently, Jim stepped aside from his main responsibilities to an ambassadorial and advisory role, allowing the members of the fourth generation, including three of his children, to take on the management of the company. A proud father, his ambition of carrying on the family business was achieved.
Sir Jim held the position of Deputy Lieutenant of Banffshire from 1998-2019 and was awarded the CBE for services to industry in 1999.
In 2022, he was named within the prestigious Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood in Queen Elizabeth II’s last Birthday Honours list and subsequently was invested by King Charles III at the Palace of Holyrood, Edinburgh. The Honour of Knighthood was in recognition of exceptional services to the food industry.
A statement from Jim's family read: "Beyond his professional legacy, Jim will be remembered for his warmth, humility, and generosity of spirit – a person who took genuine interest in others and who was well loved in the business and the wider community.
"Jim was enormously loved by many people around the world, especially colleagues and customers. He loved fishing on the River Spey, playing golf, and he had a keen interest in ornithology and nature, though his family, with four children and six grand-children, and business, have been his main interest and pleasures.
"He will always be remembered as a devoted, energetic and kind man who was an inspiration to many who knew him. We will honour his memory by continuing to uphold the values and legacy he built over a lifetime of dedication."