LAS VEGAS, NV – James Ross Walton, better known as “J.R.”, 63, passed away on Saturday, November 6.
The son of Norma and Trevor Walton, he was born on May 10, 1958, in Las Vegas, Nevada. J.R. experienced a difficult childhood. His father walked out on the family when J.R. was only eight years old. As the eldest child, J.R. assumed responsibility as “man of the house”, caring for his mother and three siblings – Kim, Richard, and Grant (deceased 2019) – who were between 2 and 6 years old at the time. J.R. would later recall that it was his difficult childhood that gave him such a strong work ethic.
As a teenager in High School, J.R. worked at his uncle’s gas station on the Las Vegas Strip. After graduating from High School, he was hired by the Centel Telephone Company (owned by Sprint Communications, Inc.) as a warehouse worker. He quickly climbed the ranks to become a field technician, where he installed and maintained distribution frames, payphones, and climbed telephone poles. Over the course of his early career with Centel, J.R. became a very important asset to the company, serving as Project Manager, Supervisor and Contract Administrator. He also provided Outside Processing (OSP) training for subcontractors. During his time at Centel, J.R. married his wife, Charla, and they started a family together.
In 2003, after more than two decades in the utilities and telecommunications industry, J.R. decided to work as an electrician. He wired-up many homes in the Las Vegas area, including his own custom home.
In 2006, J.R. retired his tool belt, and pursued a new career path as Manufacturer’s Representative. He was hired by ElectricGroup, Inc. as Outside Sales (and later, Sales Manager), for the Southwest territory. During that time, he served suppliers and distributors in the electrical, utility and datacom / low voltage market.
In October of 2010, J.R. joined Bob Jones & Associates (BJA), where he was responsible for the Las Vegas market, as well as the Colorado River Run; Yuma, Arizona; and El Centro, California. For nearly eleven years, J.R. cultivated many long-term friendships with distributors, contractors, and suppliers in the BJA line card.
In 2018, J.R.’s daughter, Christi, and son-in-law Cole, received news that would forever change their lives. With no warning, and no family history, their two sons Logan and Mason were diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). This rare degenerative muscle disease affects every muscle in the body, including the heart and lungs. Today both of J.R.’s grandsons rely on power wheelchairs to get around. DMD is sadly a fatal condition.
Thankfully Logan and Mason’s spirit remains strong, resilient and full of faith. They are amazing kids who inspire those around them every day.
“Although flowers are beautiful,” said Jeff Jones (Principal of Bob Jones & Associates), “We feel that J.R. would want his grandkids to be taken care of. If you were a friend, colleague, or acquaintance of J.R.’s, and you want to make a contribution in his memory, I highly encourage you to donate whatever you can to Christi and her family.”
Friends, family and colleagues regarded J.R. as a true patriot, with a deep love for God and his country. He was a big fan of professional ice hockey, and supported the Las Vegas Raiders and Golden Knights. In his off-time, he enjoyed golf, and traveling with his wife, children and friends. His humor, strength, generosity and love for his family and friends made J.R. a man who was incredibly loved and admired by many.
J.R. Walton is survived by his wife Charla (of 41 years), their son Micah, and their daughter Christi; as well as Christi’s husband Cole, and their children Logan, Mason, and Addison.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider pledging a donation to Christi Cazin’s (J.R.’s daughter) family. Donations may be made by Venmo (@Christi-Cazin), Paypal (@LoganandMason), or you can contact Christi Cazin at 702-339-0451 or Christi.cazin@gmail.com for further information.
