Jackie Victory Walker Jr. was known by family as Vic. Vic was born on June 3rd, 1964, at the old Saint Josephs Hospital on 7th Avenue and Morgan Street in downtown Tampa. He was born to two teenage parents, Jody and Jack Walker (now Jody Lazzara) who are both still living. Vic has three siblings, all sisters: Shawn Lee Martinson, Brendale Perkins, and Shelly Hilliard. Six weeks after being diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, Vic passed away at 58 years old on February 24th, 2023. He was in Hospice care in his mothers home in San Antonio, Florida Anyone would tell you Vic had a sterling work ethic, and was passionate about, not just doing a good job-- but a job as near to perfection as possible. For the past twenty year he worked as a Tower Crane operator, and he was a proud member of the 487 IUOE (International Union of Operating Engineers). He would talk about his work to anyone who would hold still for a minute. Vic was briefly married in 1991, and that union produced a son, Chase T. Walker born March 31st, 1992. Chase has one child; a girl named Kaidence born September 17th, 2014, she is Vics granddaughter. He was her "best Pop-pop in the world" they were very close and adored one another. Jack Walker (senior) resides in Northwest Tampa with his lifelong wife Brenda. Jack and Vic both played the guitar and frequently played together at their house. Vic lived in his home in old Carrollwood for the past 20 years, initially with his son Chase, or eventually alone. However, about five years ago he met the love of his life, Natalie Baltra. Together they did almost everything. She embraced his family and he hers. Natalie has two adult children, Jaimee, and Casey, who came of see Vic as a great father figure. Vic had many varied interests. He loved movies and was quick to tell you there is "a difference between a film and a movie". To say he kept up with current events would be an understatement. He was a bit of a political junkie and was proud to express his liberal views, whether you liked it or not. He was a huge Rays fan, and generally kept up with most sports. He still subscribed to and read the Tampa Tribune- home delivery. He read lots of different kinds of books and was a spiritual explorer. He fished in his backyard pond and was passionate about caring for the environment.. He and Natalie walked two miles most Sundays mornings in a nearby park and Vic worked out daily. Vic was loved and enjoyed by the people he touched. He will leave a vacant spot in the hearts of his family, and we will miss him terribly. But we hope we are not saying goodbye to Vic, but rather "see you a little later". As Vic would want, you are invited to remember him with the laughter, joy and humor he so appreciated. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Hodges Family Funeral Home in Dade City, Florida. A time of gathering will take place prior to services from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society in Vic's memory. Visitation Hodges Family Funeral Home Saturday, March 4, 2023 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 11441 US Highway 301 Dade City, FL 33525 Celebration of Life Service Hodges Family Funeral Home Saturday, March 4, 2023 1:00 PM 11441 US Highway 301 Dade City, FL 33525