James "Jim" Russell Walter

"Jesus taught him to love like Jesus."

Born: April 30th, 1937

Died: April 19th, 2021

Jim (James) was born in Union City, MI. He was moved to Northern, Indiana as a child, then moved to Petoskey at age 14. His love of being a farmer always followed him. Even last year, he had a huge bountiful garden. He loved all kinds of animals. His cats Sprocket and Sadie, were always in his shop with him, or tailing behind when he came inside. He had four pugs as well, which he loved dearly. He hauled hay for the rabbits, (Which in turn ate the garden and the berries.)

Jim is survived by his sister Shirley and her husband Gerald Smith - His brother Jack Walter - His sister Sue and her husband Andy Miller. He had lost his sister Gladys Sommers and Sister-in-Law Judy.

Jim was the best husband, father, and grandfather to all he met. Jim had married Sharon K. (Mayo) Smith in 1977 and had 44 wonderful years together. She survives along with their children William Dale Smith and his wife Cindy, Tami Stone, Daniel Todd Smith and his Husband ArJay Smith, Roderick Shane Walter, Abraham Walter and his wife Cyndi, Traci Delaney with her fiance Umar Mason, Anthony Walter and his fiance Nicole, Amanda Fales with her Husband Rick Fales. He has 39 grandkids, and 40 great grandkids.

Jim didn't accept Jesus until he was 39 years of age. He spent the rest of his life"cramming". He was always in the WORD trying to learn more. He knew so many verses by heart. He was like, "A Walking Bible".

His birthday this year will not be spent with us, but with Jesus.

A funeral service for Jim will be officiated by Pastor Chad Overbeek on April 24, 2021 at the Walloon Lake Community Church at 11:30 AM. A visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and burial will follow the service at Dunkard Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of Stone Funeral Home, Inc.

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