James Henry Walters

James Henry Walters passed away on August 28, 2015 in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 94. He was born August 9, 1921 in Conway, Texas to Leslie Alvah and Nellie Margaret [Jackson] Walters. James had nine brothers and sisters; three sisters Emily Marie, Mary Pat and Frances Elizabeth; six brothers, Kelsey, Robert, Tom, Harold "Hap", Charles, and one unborn boy. In 1927, James, along with his brother Kelsey, went to live with their grandparents in Gallup, New Mexico to help on the farm and then in 1928 went to Amarillo, Texas to work at their grandfathers Roller Rink.

James was a veteran of the U. S. Marine Corps and served on the USS Lexington during the attack on Pearl Harbor, the USS Honolulu, USS President Jackson and the USS Harris from July 1943 to December 1944 and in the Southwest Pacific from July 1945 to September 1946; James showed leadership qualities and could make tough decisions when he was called upon to do so; he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant.

James was married to Mary Elna Holcomb on September 4, 1953 in Texas and together they raised two children and two step children, twin daughters Karen and Karla and stepsons Lee and Tim. They were also blessed with one grandchild, Matthew and one great-grandchild Tyler.

James’ favorite pursuits were working on and repairing cars. He always had an extra car to tinker with. He also enjoyed working in his vegetable garden and caring for animals. James was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorite pets was Moe, a Cairn Terrier, who was a rescue dog. They were best friends for his last five years.

James is survived by his daughters Karen (Frank) Buntschuh of Mesa, Arizona and Karla Bean of Ben Salem, Pennsylvania; his step son Lee Barrow of North Carolina; grandson Matthew Bean and great-grandson Tyler John Bean of Ben Salem, Pennsylvania; brothers Robert of North Carolina, and Harold "Hap" of Hutchinson, Kansas; his sister Mary Pat of St. Louis, Missouri. Services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Mariposa Gardens Cemetery Chapel, 6747 East Broadway Road in Mesa, Arizona. He will be laid to rest in the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, the family request that a donation be made to your local pet rescue organization.