Sir James Walker, known as ‘Jim’, passed away in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on Sunday 15 December 2024.
Jim was a major driving force behind the family business, helping to grow it from a small bakery in Aberlour to an internal brand, hitting a £184m turnover in 2023 – from £40k in the year he joined.
Jim is the son of the late James and Winnie Walker and younger brother of the late Joe and Marjorie Walker. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jennifer, and his children Jacqui, Jamie, Bryony and Alastair, and six grandchildren Logan, Romy, Joshua, Torren, Joanie and Wyatt.
He studied at Robert’s Gordon College in Aberdeen, before joining the family bakery alongside a workforce of 16 people.
During a career that spanned more than 60 years, Jim was responsible for sales and marketing and was the company’s first salesperson. He later went onto become joint managing director alongside his brother Joe.
Jim recently 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.
He also 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.
Beyond his professional legacy, Walkers says Jim will be remembered for his warmth, humility and generosity.
In a statement, the shortbread brand said: “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.”
