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One of the pioneer
mercantile enterprises of Edmonton is the large department store of
which James G. Walker is the head, the business having been established
by his father in this city thirty-six years ago. A native of South
Africa, James Grahame Walker was born in the Orange Free State, in 1884,
and his Parents were William Johnstone and Isabella Elizabeth Jeannette
(Blake) Walker, both natives of Scotland, as was also the maternal
grandfather, Rev. J. C. Blake. William J. Walker was born at Edinburgh
in 1847, and coming to Canada, he settled at Edmonton in 1885, arriving
here at an early period in its development. In 1886 he opened a general
store on Fraser avenue and five years afterward erected a frame building
on Jasper avenue, later removing to a brick building, while in 1916 the
business was established in its present location. He stood high in his
community and through the capable management of his business interests
he contributed substantially to the commercial development and activity
of the city.
James G. Walker was but a
year old when his father established his residence in Edmonton and here
he attended the grammar and high schools. In 1911 he went to Glasgow,
Scotland, and entered the Royal Technical College, taking a course in
mining engineering. His studies were interrupted by the World war and in
August, 1914, he enlisted at Glasgow, becoming a private of the Ninth
Highland Light Infantry, and in March, 1915, was commissioned a
lieutenant. On December 19, 1917, he was ordered to France and remained
in that country for fifteen months, during which period he was promoted
to the rank of captain. On March 25, 1918, he was captured at Beagnies
and was sent back to the concentration camp at Rastatt. Later he was
taken to a permanent prison camp at Lahr, where he was held until
December, 1918, making his way back to Glasgow after the signing of the
armistice. Ile was awarded the Military Cross for gallant service at
Bourlon Wood and in 1921 returned to Edmonton. He is now president of
the business built up by his father's constructive genius and displays
marked executive ability in its management. He holds to high standards
in the personnel of the house and in the service afforded patrons,
giving to each customer full value for the amount expended. He has
formulated many well devised plans for the further expansion of the
business, which since its inception has enjoyed a continuous and
healthful growth, and is now one of the largest department stores in
western Canada, the firm style being the Johnstone Walker Company.
While in Glasgow,
Scotland, Mr. Walker was married, on the 5th of June, 1913, to Miss
Margaretta Mitchell Thomson, a daughter of Andrew Thomson, deceased, who
was head master of the Mount Florida School of that city. Mr. and Mrs.
Walker have four children: Kenneth, Hugh, Isabel and Allan. Mr. Walker
is a member of the First Presbyterian church and a Liberal in his
political views. In Masonry he has attained the thirty-second degree and
he is also a member of the Edmonton Club and the Mayfair Golf & Country
Club. As a representative of one of the pioneer families of Edmonton he
is widely kiiown and highly respected and he worthily bears a name which
for many years has stood as a synonym for enterprise, integrity and
reliablity in business circles of the city. |
