NYSCAR mourns the loss of past president James Walker, CCIM - by Robert Strell

NYSCAR lost a true leader, friend and colleague with the passing of James Walker, CCIM, of Fishkill on October 16^th. Jim was an associate broker with Keller Williams Hudson Valley (Middletown).

An active member of the NYS Commercial Association of Realtors, Jim served on the board of governors for many years. Serving as president of NYSCAR 2020-2021 he was also honored as the NYSCAR Realtor of the Year in 2011. An integral part of the annual conference each year Jim also served on many committees over the years, including strat planning and education and had a presence at all marketing sessions. Under Jim’s presidency and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, the board approved offering free education to the membership, a benefit that continues today. Jim was an instructor for NYSCAR and he was an active member of the Hudson Valley Chapter of NYSCAR, serving as chapter president in 2010.

For the past 36 years Jim stayed side by side with the true love of his life, Elsie Cabot, whom he married on October 5, 2023, at a home ceremony.

Jim had a love of flying and was working diligently up until the time of his death to obtain his pilot’s license and was a member of the Grasshopper Flying Club. He enjoyed fishing, kayaking, and hiking and his most favorite place to hike was in Kauai, HawaiI along the Na Pali Coastline.

Above all he loved spending time with his four-legged children, his German Shepherd’s, Sam and Maya.

We are devastated by the loss of Jim. He had a great sense of humor, he was a fighter, a mentor, he was always inclusive. His legacy as a great leader will live on with NYSCAR.

On behalf of the NYS Commercial Assoc of Realtors, our heartfelt condolences go out to Jim’s wife Elsie, his family, friends and colleagues. Special thoughts are with Jay Feinberg, Jim’s friend and teammate at Keller Williams.

If you would like to make a contribution in Jim’s memory, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or a local animal rescue.

Robert Strell is president of NYSCAR, Albany, N.Y.