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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