Walker's Shortbread stalwart Sir James Walker dies aged 80 as tributes paid to 'kind' man

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Scots legend behind the iconic Walker's Shortbread brand has sadly died aged 80. Sir James Walker CBE who was instrumental in the creation of Walker's Shortbread, passed away in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on Sunday, December 15 surrounded by family.

James, known as ‘Jim’, was born in Elgin on June 13, 1944 and is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jennifer, his children Jacqui, Jamie, Bryony and Alastair, and six grandchildren Logan, Romy, Joshua, Torren, Joanie and Wyatt.After completing his education at Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen, Jim joined the family bakery alongside a workforce of 16 people and learnt every aspect of the work involved.

During his career, Jim was responsible for sales and marketing – he was the company’s first salesperson. For over 60 years, he dedicated his life to creating and building the Walker’s brand across the world.

In his role as Joint Managing Director alongside his brother Joe, Jim was the driving force of Walker’s sales growth, developing the business from a small family bakery in Aberlour to a globally recognised brand, achieving £184m of turnover in 2023 and being awarded the Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth in 2002. Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Sir Jim held the position of Deputy Lieutenant of Banffshire from 1998-2019 and was awarded the CBE for services to industry in 1999.