James F Walters

Rev. James F. Walters of Paoli, Indiana passed away peacefully December 3, 2023, and the age of 92.  Jim, as he was affectionately known, was born September 9, 1931 in Dugger, Indiana to Rev. V. Ralph and Ethel Walters.   Jim spent most of his childhood growing up in small Indiana towns, as his father was a Methodist minister.  Jim graduated from Prairie Creek High School in 1949.  He met his future wife, Shirley Tredway, and they married in 1951.  Together they raised 4 sons and celebrated 72 years together this year.

Jim graduated from Evansville University, and the School of Religion at Butler University in Indianapolis.  He was a school teacher in several  Indiana towns, including Newport, Perrysville, Attica, and Ridge Farm, Illinois.  He also served as principal at Cayuga, Indiana.

While Jim loved working in the education system, his real calling was in ministry work.  He was a Methodist minister in Yankee Town and Eugene, then served as Quaker minister in Newport, Hopewell, Kokomo, Paoli, and Lick Creek, all in Indiana.

Some years after his family had grown, Jim again went back to school, graduating from Mid America College of Funeral Services, as an Embalmer and funeral director. He worked for many years at Dillman-Kemple Funeral Home in Paoli also Served on the Paoli Community School Board for 12 years. Member of the Paoli Masonic Lodge #119  F & AM, Paoli Kiwanis and the Paoli Airport Board.

Besides teaching and ministering in churches, Jim enjoyed a wide variety of activities.  He loved riding his Gold Wing motorcycle, and often took Shirley on trips with him across the country.  Besides traveling, his hobbies included playing in a local band, listening to classical music, reading about the Civil War, and wading in the creek at Spring Mill with his grandchildren.  Jim could also be seen nearly every day the last two years, walking his beloved Bella, his Boston Terrier.

Those who knew Jim, knew him as a man of character, wisdom, compassion and humor.  He was dedicated to the ministry, to his wife and family, but most of all, to the God he served.  While our hearts are heavy missing him, we know a wonderful reunion waits for those who have believed on Jesus Christ as Savior.

Survivors

Wife Shirley Walters                   Paoli, In

Sons:

William (Mona) Walters             Piqua, OH

Mark (Cynthia) Walters            Bloomington, Illinois

Brian (Melissa Walters              Evansville, Indiana

Jon (Deonna) Walters                Paoli, Indiana

11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren also survive James.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, December 8, 2023 at Dillman Scott Funeral Home, 226 West Campbell Street, Paoli, In 47454 with Mark Tope officiating. With Cremation to Follow.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 3:00-7:00 PM and from 9:00 AM Friday, December 8, 2023 until the time of service at 11:00 AM also at the funeral home.

Condolences can be sent online to www.dillmanscottfuneralhome.com.