Third generation family baker sadly passes away
FORMER Walker’s Shortbread director and third generation family member Sir Jim Walker has sadly died at the age of 80.
Son of late James and Winnie Walker, Jim passed away on 15 December in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years Jennifer, his children Jacqui, Jamie, Bryony and Alastair, as well as his six grandchildren Logan, Romy, Joshua, Torren, Joanie and Wyatt.
Jim dedicated over 60 years of his life to the family’s bakery business and was also the company’s first ever salesperson, after he completed his education at Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen.
In his role as joint managing director, alongside his brother Joe, Jim was a driving force for Walker’s sales growth and helped to develop the business from a small family baker to a globally recognised brand and saw the brand awarded with a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth in 2002.
Jim also held the position of deputy lieutenant of Banffshire from 1998-2019 and was awarded the CBE for services to industry in 1999.
And 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.
A spokesperson for Walker’s Shortbread said: “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 wider community.
“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.”
