On January 3, 2004, Coast Guard Auxiliary member James Douglas “Jim” Walker was buried at sea in a
ceremony called, “All Hands Bury the Dead” aboard Coast Guard Cutter
#41473, which served as the Vessel of Honor, during the funeral service in the
waters of Lake Pontchartrain.
CG Cutter #41473
With more than 30 Division
4 District 8CR Auxiliary members and friends and family in attendance, the
prayers and service was performed by Cleve Chandler. Auxiliary patrols vessels Blue Runner, Mañana, Miss
Pauline, Myer’s Run, Say-Sea Bon, River Chase and the shrimp boat Miss
Madison formed the “V” formation behind the Vessel of Honor. At the command, “All Hands Bury the Dead”
all vessels were stopped and the National and Auxiliary Ensigns were dipped to
half-mast and the Mañana tolled eight bells.
As “Taps” was played as a final requiem, sharply rendered salutes were rendered by Auxiliary members
during the early-morning ceremony while the cremated remains were committed to
the waters Jim Walker once patrolled.
Jim Walker, Past Flotilla
Commander 43 in New Orleans, joined the Auxiliary in 1991 and within a few
months obtained the coveted AUXOP status. He was a master instructor and served
on the Division 4 staff as Marine Dealer Visitor. “His true love was teaching boating safety,” said Denise Walker “Jim joined the Auxiliary after he took a boating class taught by Flotilla 47.” “Jim
taught boating safety classes at the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s
Division 4 members aboard the Mañana
Office and Fire Departments and often would give classes at the oil refineries,” reflected
Denise, “In fact, Jim talked about boating safety on WWL-TV and radio talk
shows. Jim loved the Auxiliary and its
purpose. He was not just known in the New Orleans area, but throughout the district.
I know that he was friendly with divisions from Florida to Texas.”
Since the beginning of time, man has marveled at the world's great ocean and seas. The sea’s glory and
power, peace and tranquility, have brought enlightenment and comfort to mankind.
Eternally changing, forever enduring, the world's oceans are a final resting
place to countless generations. The historical rite of burial at sea is a
centuries old maritime tradition which has been a custom among sea-going men
for as long as ships have sailed the seven seas. It affords the opportunity in
honoring those who gave of themselves in the service of their country and all
who have gone before them, as well.
Woody Burch, Doris Bogataj, Janine Raymond and
David Raymond
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