WP-ORG Main Image
View a eulogy for James J. Walton, USMA '89, who passed away on June 21, 2008.

James J. Walton

West Point, 1989

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Dennis J. McKernan on July 9, 2008:

My deepest condolences for the entire Walton family.

I was a G-4 Guppy, Class of 1991 Plebe when Jim was a Cow. I'll never forget during a dinner formation one early September (1987) evening when Jim approached me with a low Clint Eastwood style voice and almost whispered, "McKernan, let's hear the Army Song." I didn't know a word of it, nor at the time did I know the melody. Jim replied with a curt, "You'd better know it tomorrow."
Terrified, I memorized the entire song that night...every verse. The next evening, I was very prepared with the correct response and Jim never approached me.

It took him almost 2 weeks to come back and ask me to recite the Army Song. I couldn't believe it. That event taught me to expect the unexpected.

Jim's was truly a standard bearer and his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched. I am extremely grateful to have known him.

Previous Eulogy   Next Eulogy
admin

West-Point.Org (WP-ORG), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides an online communications infrastructure that enable graduates, parents, and friends of the military academy to maintain and strengthen the associations that bind us together. We will provide this community any requested support, consistent with this purpose, as quickly and efficiently as possible. WP-ORG is funded by the generosity of member contributions. Our communication services are provided in cooperation with the AOG (independent of USMA) and are operated by volunteers serving the Long Gray Line. For questions or comments, please email us at feedback@west-point.org.