Obituaries

James W. WalkerNASA Employee

James W. Walker, 92, a retired NASA employee, died of an obstruction of the esophagus due to a hernia Dec. 1 at Sibley Memorial Hospital. He lived in Bethesda.

From 1962 to 1976, Mr. Walker worked for NASA on data and tracking systems for space vehicles. He also did projects for the military and the National Security Agency while he was with NASA.

He was born in Atlanta and was raised in Takoma Park and Washington. He graduated from the District's Central High School in 1933 and from the now-defunct Salem College in Westminster, Md., where he studied theology. Mr. Walker joined the Marines after graduation and played the trumpet and piano in the Marine Band.

In 1940, he transferred to the Navy and was assigned to the Naval Surface Weapons Center, where he was posted through World War II. After the war, he worked as a civilian on guidance systems at the old Naval Ordnance Laboratory at White Oak. After NASA was formed, he transferred to that agency.

After retiring from NASA, he invested in real estate. In 1990, he was campaign treasurer for his son, James W. Walker Jr. (D) of Bethesda, who was running for Congress in Maryland's 8th Congressional District.

Mr. Walker owned five motorcycles, including a Harley-Davidson, and rode until he was 85. He also enjoyed target shooting. He was a member of the Izaak Walton League, All Saints Episcopal Church in Chevy Chase and the American Legion.

Survivors, in addition to his son, include his wife of 64 years, Lillian Walker of Bethesda; two daughters, June Walker of Bethesda and Jean Walker of Silver Spring; a sister; and brother.

-- Patricia Sullivan

Albert Austin KnightAudiologist, Business Owner

Albert Austin Knight, 82, a former audiologist and owner of the Washington Hearing Aid Center, died of respiratory failure Dec. 7 at Beverly Manor Nursing Home in Annandale. He lived in Sterling.