ANDERSON
James Elwood Walters, Jr., 99, passed on to be with the Lord on May 26, 2024, at Bethany Pointe Health Campus in Anderson, IN.
He is survived by sons, Phillip (Connie) Walters of Clinton, Indiana; Jim (Susan) Walters of Columbus, Indiana; John (Faith) Walters of Anderson, Indiana; daughter, Christine McMasters of Stonington, Connecticut; sister, Jean Switzer of Covington, Indiana; and 12 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, LaVerne on November 2, 2018, and seven brothers and sisters.
James was born on May 22, 1925, in the small farm town of Cayuga, Indiana in west-central Indiana to parents, James E. Walters, Sr. and Carrie (Hold) Walters. James was one of nine children and was affectionately known by his family as “Budd.” He was a graduate of Cayuga High School. He married LaVerne Morgan on September 9, 1945, in Danville, Illinois. Shortly after their wedding, they moved to Anderson, Indiana, where James enrolled in Anderson College (now Anderson University) to prepare for the pastoral ministry. He and LaVerne pastored Church of God congregations in New Springfield, Ohio (1953-1957); Kendallville, Indiana (1957-1960); Columbus, Indiana (1960-1967); and Princeton, Indiana (1967 – 1990). Upon his retirement from the Princeton church, James and LaVerne moved back to Anderson, Indiana, where they spent their retirement years. During this time, he also served for 14 years (1991-2005) as a part-time associate pastor at the New Life Community Church in Noblesville, Indiana, where his son, Jim, was the senior pastor. Later he volunteered on the pastoral care team at the Madison Park Church of God in Anderson, Indiana. Throughout his life, James had a caring pastoral heart and a positive impact on the lives of countless people.
James was a people person and a loving, caring, husband and father. He enjoyed gardening, traveling. sports, and being with his family. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but his legacy will live on through the lives of the many people whom his life and ministry touched.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 3, 2024, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at Chesterfield Church of God, 123 Linden Avenue, Chesterfield, IN 46017, followed by the service at 1 pm officiated by Tom Malbone. Burial will take place in East Maplewood Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Christians Broadcasting Hope (CBH), PO Box 2420, Anderson, IN 46018. www.loosecares.com.
