Division 4 members as salute.

Recently, Coast Guard Auxiliary member James Douglas “Jim” Walker was buried at sea in a ceremony called “All Hands Bury the Dead.” Coast Guard MLB #41473, based at Station New Orleans, served as the vessel of honor during the funeral service.

The service took place in the waters of Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana. More than 30 Auxiliary members from Division 4, District 8-CR, friends and family attended.

Auxiliary patrol vessels “Blue Runner,” “Mañana,” “Miss Pauline,” “Myer’s Run,” “Say-Sea Bon,” “River Chase” and the shrimp boat “Miss Madison” formed the “V” formation behind the vessel of honor.

At the command, “All Hands Bury the Dead,” all vessels stopped. Flag bearers dipped the National and Auxiliary Ensigns to half-mast, and the “Mañana” tolled eight bells. “Taps” played and Auxiliary members rendered sharp salutes. A final requiem while the cremated remains were committed to the waters Jim Walker once patrolled.

Jim Walker, Past Flotilla Commander of Flotilla 43 in New Orleans, joined the Auxiliary in 1991 and within a few months obtained the coveted AUXOP status. He was a master instructor and served on the Division 4 staff as a marine dealer visitor.

“His true love was teaching boating safety,” said Jim’s widow, Denise Walker, “Jim joined the Auxiliary after he took a boating class taught by Flotilla 47. Jim taught boating safety classes to the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office and Fire Departments and often would give classes at local oil refineries. In fact, Jim made numerous public appearances on boating safety on local TV and radio talk shows. Jim loved the Auxiliary and its purpose. Folks knew Jim throughout the District, not just in the New Orleans area. I know that he was friendly with Divisions from Florida to Texas.”

The prayers and service was performed by Henry “Cleve” Chandler, Flotilla 4-10 in Baton Rouge, who said of the ceremony, “From my perspective and observation, over the shoulder of Jim's widow Denise, as she scattered Jim’s ashes that morning, Lake Pontchartrain was at a tranquil state, ready to receive Jim. Recalling times spent together, Denise was able to express, through words and tears, her appreciation of her husband. During the ceremony, all of the participants and observers felt very close to Jim. Jim brought a final blessing to us all in appreciation of the sea and the work of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.”

Since the beginning of time, man has marveled at the world's great ocean and seas. The sea’s glory and power, peace and tranquility, have brought enlightenment and comfort to humankind. Eternally changing, forever enduring, the world's oceans are a final resting place to countless generations.

The historical rite of burial at sea is a centuries old maritime tradition, a custom among sea-going men for as long as ships have sailed the seven seas. It affords the opportunity to honor those who gave of themselves in the service of their country.