James (Jim) Richard Walters, a loving husband, dad, grandpa and friend, died on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. He was 85. Jim was born on October 21, 1936 to Alonzo Heath and Cora (Black) Heath in Pine Grove, PA. Following the death of his mother, he lived with and was adopted by Clarence Walters and Maude Matilda (Heath) Walters.

Jim spent his teenage years in Oil City, Pa., where he lived with his guardians LeRoy Walters and Mae (Moon) Walters. Jim attended Oil City High School. During his schooling, he took his 1947 Chrysler Windsor through the Pennsylvania hills and worked various mechanic jobs.

On January 31, 1959, Jim married Rose Zacherl in St. Stephen's Church in Oil City. He unknowingly met her years before when they attended elementary school together. Months after the wedding, he was inducted into the U.S. Army. He graduated third in his class from Fort Sill in Oklahoma. After his release from the military, Jim honed his love of cars and mechanical talent by dedicating over 30 years to General Motors and Allison Transmission.

During his early adult life, Jim lived in Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Ohio, and Michigan before finally settling in Brownsburg, Ind. with his family. Jim was dedicated to his faith and was active in the Catholic Church, where he served as a religious education teacher, confirmation leader, and lay minister.

In retirement, Jim could often be found in the backyard, taking care of the lawn, and tending the fruits and vegetables that grew in the garden he maintained with his wife. He also enjoyed lounging with his faithful dog Winston and giving attention to his grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, guardians and multiple siblings. Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rose Walters; children, Anne Shelton (Joe), James Walters Jr., Patrick Walters (Barbara), Christine Smith (Al), Anthony Walters (Linda); 16 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held for Jim on Monday, January 31, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Matthews Mortuary in Brownsburg, Ind. On the same day, at 1:30 p.m., a funeral mass will be held at St. Malachy Catholic Church in Brownsburg, Ind. Burial will be at St. Malachy Cemetery in Pittsboro, Ind. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org or www.indyhumane.org