James "Jim" William Walter

Mr. James W. (Jim) Walter, 85, of Goshen, went to be with his Lord on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019 at Goshen Hospital following a lengthy but courageous battle with dementia.  He was born Sept. 11, 1934 in Elkhart to the late Brice R. and Helen G. (Carter)  Walter, and later married Betty Lou Williams on Apr. 11, 1959 in Goshen. She survives at home after 60 wonderful years together.

Other survivors include his children Mark (Darlene) Walter and Cindy (Jeff) Peete; grands Ashlee, Joshua and Kara Peete and Kaylan and Kaleb Walter; great grands Jaydyn and Calleigh Robinson and Dexter Porter and a host of loving extended family and friends. A sister, Susan Howard, preceded him in death this month as well.

Jim’s life will be celebrated at Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019 at 1:00 pm, with viewing beginning at 12 noon. The Rev. Jeremy Sarber, Chaplain with Billings Funeral Home, will officiate and burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Goshen.

Jim wore several hats during his day; he started as a purchasing agent for the Evanston, IL Hospital until he and his wife opened International Crafts, a New Paris-based RV parts manufacturer, for several years until he became night auditor for the Elkhart Ramada Inn. He remained there another 15 years until he opened JB Express Mart, an area convenience store and gas station. He was a graduate of Bethel College and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Elkhart. He was an avid fisherman and ice fisherman and took annual fishing trips to Wisconsin and Canada. He was also a prolific reader and loved to read and re-read his bible as well as a never-ending supply of history and political books. 

On-line condolences may reach the family by visiting the funeral home’s website. Memorial donations may be given in Jim’s memory to the First Baptist Church of Elkhart!

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