James Dennis Walker Jr. loved cars - fixing them, restoring them, showing them and collecting model versions of them. He was working to bring new life to a Model A when he passed away from complications of congestive heart failure on Feb. 16 at the age of 73. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Jim was the lone son in a family with five girls. He attended St. Vincent Xavier Catholic School, graduating from Ottawa Hills High School. His love of all things mechanical started when his parents gave him a train set at the age of 5. Known as the neighborhood mechanic, Jim could always be found in his garage fixing someone else's car or teaching neighborhood boys how to change oil or replace brakes. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968 and spent a decade on various tours of duty, including time in South Korea and Germany. His mother sent him off to Uncle Sam wishing him all the luck in the world. Jim served his country as a mechanic during the Vietnam War, returning to Grand Rapids with a purple heart after being wounded when his unit was ambushed. He brought his mother a gold four-leaf clover with a diamond in the middle when he came back home, telling her, "I guess there was luck, Mom." While Jim lived in other places around the country, West Michigan was always home - and he always returned. He had a big heart for his parents, his sisters, his own children and his many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Jim was never so happy as when he was in his garage, listening to his favorite hits from the 50s and 60s and tinkering on an old car or truck with one of his beloved dogs watching on. He collected die casts cars, which he displayed throughout his home in Six Lakes. He also collected coins and knives. Born on July 3, Jim always joked that the Independence Day fireworks were in honor of his birthday. He carried with him a love of fireworks throughout his life, and his family was only too happy to help him celebrate each birthday in a big way. The family will hold a private gathering to honor Jim's life and military service. Those wishing to remember him can make a donation to Emmanuel Hospice, which provided him with compassionate care at the end of his life, or to an animal shelter of their choosing.