James Donald Walters

Jim was born in Carson City, MI because there were no osteopathic hospitals in Grand Rapids then. (His dad, Irving, was an osteopathic doctor.) He lived with his family on Crawford Street in Madison Square, where his dad had his office. His dad had a heart attack when Jim was only seven years old, so many changes came into his life. He attended Alexander Elementary School and then went to South High School, graduating in 1960. He was class president his junior year and advisor in his senior year. Jim chose to go into the Air Force right out of high school. He was stationed in Greenville, South Carolina, and Travis Air Force Base in California. He attained the rank of E4. He was involved in preparing medical supplies during the Cuban Missile Crisis while in South Carolina and also attend Furman University while there. His service time was August 12, 1960 to May 5, 1964

Upon returning to Grand Rapids, he enrolled in Grand Rapids Junior College, where he met Nancy Symes in sociology class. At the end of that school year, he and Nancy enrolled into Michigan State University after earning an Associate Degree at GRJJ. They had transfer scholarships to MSU. Jim studied Social Sciences and Education for his BA and studied Administration for his MA. Jim’s BA was granted in 1967 and his MA in 1970. He taught at Union High School, where he was also junior class advisor, and at Ottawa Hills High School in the social studies department where he was Chairman and senior class advisor for several years. After Jim retired from Grand Rapids Public Schools, he taught at Davenport College, Grand Rapids Junior College, and was Student Teacher Coordinator at Central Michigan University and Aquinas College

Jim and Nancy married August 12,1967 at Grace Episcopal Church. In 1970, Jamie Lynne was born, and in 1972 Michael Paull was born. The family loved to travel with our various trailers. In total, Jim covered all the states, all the Canadian provinces, and five of the seven continents, creating memories to last for a lifetime. For 20 years, the winter was spent in Casa Grande, AZ in Val Vista Park. He was part of the biking and hiking groups. This location was not far from Jamie’s home, so he saw his grandson, Erik, grow, and he had time to create more memories. He and Nancy were there 20 winter years.

Jim’s second grandchild was born the same year as Erik, 2004, and her name is Savannah Ann Walters. She lived with her parents in Oak Park, IL. Her brother, Nolan Paull was born in 2007 and also is from Oak Park. Savannah just graduated from the University of MO, and her brother is at Augustana University now. Jim and Nancy spent many wonderful days with them in Chicago. Jim was a big sports person, and so he attended many ball and soccer games as the grandkids played, plus going to professional games. Jim loved taking the grandchildren to Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore to camp, hike, canoe, climb the dune, have campfires, and explore. The Michigan state parks provided places to enjoy these activities too. Jim’s favorite one was Ludington State Park. Music and movies were loved by Jim, and he shared them with Jamie, Mike, and their children. Who can forget Jamie dancing on his toes as a little girl and at her wedding to Cecilia.

He was a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and was the route planner for the Hunger Walk many years and participated in it for 40 years. In 2012, Jim and Nancy were the top individual fundraisers.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Grace and Irving; brothers William (Emiko) and Robert ( Marilyn); sister, Mary Ellen; mother-in-law, Marcelline, and father-in-law, Harry Symes; and sister-in-law, Linda Symes Wiser. His surviving relatives are his wife, Nancy; daughter, Jamie Lynne; son, Michael Walters (Jeannie); grandchildren Erik, Savannah, Nolan; many nieces and nephews; many grand-nieces and -nephews; brother-in-law, Donald Helmholdt; and Vaughn, Jamie’s life partner.

Services will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 5333 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Wyoming, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Emmanuel Hospice, American Cancer Society or American Heart Society. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.