Obituary of J.B. Walters

Obituary for J.B. Walters James Bagley (“J.B.”) Walters passed away on October 2, 2011 at the age of 87. He was born in Ragland, Alabama on January 23, 1924 and was raised by his loving mother, Maggie Green. For 51 happy years, he was married to the late Catherine Curd Walters until her passing in 1996. J.B.’s life was emblematic of his generation. He was raised during the Great Depression, learning through experience the virtues of hard work and frugality. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific theatre, rising to the level of staff sergeant. These two experiences during his first 21 years were seldom far from his mind and would shape him for the rest of his life. Following the War, he married Catherine and had a son, Joe Walters, who survives him. J.B. was, at heart, a farmer, raising cotton and cattle on the land he loved so dearly. In 1962, he was elected to the St. Clair County Commission, serving three terms during which he built and paved many of the county’s roads. In retirement, J.B. was never happier than when idling behind his dogs through the fields and woods of his farm. He was a devoted husband, a caring father, a loyal friend, and a hero to his grandsons. His colorful personality and unique charm evade description, but will ensure his lasting memory. He was truly one-of-a-kind and will be sorely missed. J.B. is survived by his son, Joe Walters, and daughter-in-law, Deloma Walters, of Ragland, Alabama; his step-son, Jim Weiss, of Tuscaloosa; his grandchildren, Jamey Lyons of Augusta, Georgia, Jason Walters of Birmingham, Alabama, and Scotty Walters of Ragland, Alabama; great-grandchildren Mitchell Lyons of Augusta, Georgia, and Anne Frances Walters and Catherine Bagley Walters of Birmingham, Alabama; sister Helen Coarsey of Tifton, Georgia and brother Bob Weiss of Huntsville, Alabama. J.B. was predeceased by his wife, Catherine Walters, brother Oscar Walters, sister Octavia Fennell, and brother Jerry Weiss. Friends and family are invited to attend visitation at Usrey Funeral Home from 3:00 to 4:00 on Wednesday, October 5, 2011, with a graveside service to follow at 4:30 at the United Methodist Church in Ragland.