Honoring the Life and Legacy of Retired Hackensack Fire Lt. James Walker III
photo courtresy of the City of Hackensack Fire Department
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, The City of Hackensack and the firefighting community are in mourning following the passing of Retired Lieutenant James Walker III. A dedicated public servant with a career spanning nearly four decades, Lt. Walker passed away following a courageous battle with 9/11-related cancer.
Lt. Walker’s life was defined by service—to his country, his city, and his family.
A Career Built on Service
For 37 years, Lt. Walker was a cornerstone of the Hackensack Fire Department. His expertise went beyond the firehouse; he was a founding member of the Bergen County Arson Squad, helping to shape fire investigation standards across the region.
Before donning the HFD uniform, Walker served with honor in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, cementing his status as a lifelong protector of his community and country.
A Family Tradition of Bravery
Lt. Walker’s legacy continues through his family, who remain deeply embedded in the fire service. He was the proud father of current Firefighter James Walker IV and the brother of Firefighter Dennis Walker (retired 2011).
Funeral Services and Memorial Information
The community is invited to pay their respects and honor Lt. Walker’s decades of sacrifice at the following services:
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Visitation: Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home (397 Union St., Hackensack, NJ).
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Funeral Service: Friday, February 13, 2026, beginning at 9:30 AM at the funeral home.
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Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, February 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Francis R.C. Church (50 Lodi St., Hackensack, NJ).
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Cremation: To be held privately.
“Lt. Walker represented the very best of Hackensack—bravery, dedication, and an unbreakable commitment to his fellow citizens.”
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