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L. Walters Obituary

September 3, 1943 - October 7, 201 Jim Walters passed to the Lord's loving arms October 7 at home surrounded by his devoted family. He was born September 3, 1943 in Spokane Washington to parents Staff Sgt Bud Walters and Wanda Sliger Walters. After the death of his father, Jim and his mother moved to Ferndale, California where he attended Ferndale Elementary and Ferndale High School, graduating in 1962. Jim and Kathy Farleigh married April 20, 1968 and lived in Ferndale. Jim "Walt" was employed at College of the Redwoods for 32 years working in the Physical Education Department. He would laugh and say his job consisted of doing everything that the coaches didn't want to.Sports was very important to Jim. He was dedicated to the coaches and students and always strived to do his best for them. C/R honored Jim in 2005 when they inducted him into the C/R Hall of Fame. He was known as "Walt" or Coach to several generations of kids.He began his coaching career at the age of 16 and soon added officiating: basketball, baseball, softball and football.He coached many winning teams and was well known to the officials as he would push them right up to the "T" and then stop ripping on them.Many times he was right, but even if he wasn't he still liked to push their buttons.Jim would push his players to do their best at both practice and games.He loved sports and his knowledge of the game helped his various teams reach championship level. Another pastime he enjoyed was fishing at Ruth Lake.He would hook his boat up to the pickup and leave early in the morning telling Kathy he would bring dinner home.She would laugh and say she would go to Safeway to buy dinner.He would call from the middle of the lake and say what a great time he was having even if the fish were not biting. He had two special fishing buddies Duane Bronson and Bob Wilson.They would always come home with stories of the many mishaps and adventures on the lake.He also loved to go fishing with his granddaughter Christina. They would always joke about who caught the most moss. He supported the S.F. Giants and the 49er's even through their lean years. When he began his battle with cancer and undergoing radiation treatments he patiently explained the various nuances of the game to teach Kathy about baseball and they would watch the games together.His last wish was to go to the Milk Can game in Ferndale but he was too weak, so he wore his Cats hat and listened to the game on the radio and later viewed the game on video expressing his disappointment in the outcome.But he did say someone had to win. He loved his sons and daughter and would tell everyone how proud he was of them.He was a great Papa to his grandchildren and loved spending time with each one of them. He was preceded in death by his father Staff Sgt Bud Walters, mother, Wanda Sliger Walters Ambrosini Dusina, stepfathers Raymond Ambrosini and Joseph Dusina, grandparents, Marion and Jennie Sliger, Owen Walters and Mary Wise, special aunt and uncle Bob and Betty Daily and brother Daniel Dusina. He is survived by his devoted wife Kathy Walters. Son, Tim and Tessa Walters and their children T.J., Chelsea, Daniel, Marc, Halina, Falicia, Tosha and great-grandson Dalton. Son, Ken and Tina Walters andgranddaughter Christina.Daughter, Carrie and Scott Driscoll and grandson Christopher.He is also survived by brother Vic Ambrosini, sister Marian and Paul Christiansen, father and mother-in-law John and Clara Farleigh, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Mike and Bonnie Farleigh and Bob and Mary Farleigh.He is also survived by one niece and 13 nephews. Jim attended Rio Dell Baptist Church having many wonderful Christian brothers and sisters.He was well known and loved for his barbecue skills and his quiet but strong faith in his loving Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.He knew God was in control of his life and he accepted the outcome of his illness with great faith that he was going home. Memorial services will be held at College of the Redwoods Gym, Tuesday, October 12 at 3:00 P.M. with a gathering afterwards at the Fortuna Fire Hall.The family requests any donations be made to Hospice of Eureka or to the Rio Dell Baptist Church kitchen fund. Arrangements are under the care of Goble's Fortuna Mortuary. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click Obits.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times-Standard on Oct. 12, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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Stan & Judy Dixon

October 31, 2010

Kathy, we are thinking of you. Our family will always remember Jim as a role model for young people. That began when you babysat for our children when they were very small. He always had time to chat with them at the end of a busy day. Love and prayers, Stan and Judy Dixon

Betty Boozer (Gossi)

October 19, 2010

Dear Kathy,
I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I have lots of good memories of spending time with you both. Remember when we accidentally caught the garage on fire at your apartment when we emptied an ashtray into a can of wrapping paper from your wedding presents?!
Keep your love and your memories of Jim in your heart and he'll always be with you.
Love to you and your family.

John Regli

October 18, 2010

To the Family of Jim Walters,

I knew Jim for most of my life; I was a year ahead of him at Ferndale High, and worked for many years with him at College of the Redwoods. It is with heartfelt saddness that I learned of his illness, and, now his death.

Jim was always an unassuming person, very dedicated and loyal. When you look for a person who represents the rock-solid foundation for a community, then Jim and Ferndale were an obvious match. Many people go throughout their lives trying to find happiness, elusive to most, but Jim found it right at home with community and family.

Tom Giacomini and I have often joked that working at College of the Redwoods was the best job we ever had; well, I believe Jim shared that philosophy as well!

I'm saddened for your loss and Ferndale's loss of a chunk of its foundation. My condolences.

Lori Larsen

October 16, 2010

Kathy,
Our family sends you lots of love during this time. We were all so sorry to hear of Mr. Walter's passing. When I told David he said, "you mean my coach?" He was so sad and sends his love as do we all.

Mike Bacchetti

October 14, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Mary (Dillon) Larkin

October 14, 2010

Kathy, I am so sorry for your lose. I remember the day Betty Boozer, Joe Gozzi and I introduced you to Jim - seems like yesterday! We knew back then that you two were meant for each other, and it is with great pleasure to know you had such a wonderful life together. He was always a great person, as are you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

October 13, 2010

I am so sorry for you loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I was the cheer coach at Trinity Valley for 6 years and always enjoyed visiting with Jim at games and tournaments. The world has lost a great man. Candy Boak Willow Creek

Eunice Sanborn

October 13, 2010

Kathy & family
We are so sorry about Jim. What a great guy he was and loved and respected by so many, young and old. He certainly touched our Granson Travis's life as he was his 8th grade coach. They had a contest going daily during that year.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May you feel God's strength and love as you go through this difficult time.

Marilyn Dobberstein

October 13, 2010

Kathy,I want to send you my love and sympathy to you and all of your family.  We haven't seen one another for many years, but you will always be a special memory of my high school years.  I know this must be a very difficult time for you, but I hope that in time, your wonderful memories of your life together will help you.Sincerely, Marilyn(O'Neil)Dobberstein

Joe Mendes

October 12, 2010

There is no way of knowing how many people Walt touched and influenced during his life. If Ferndale had a Sports Hall of Fame, or any Hall of Fame for that matter, Jim Walters would be my very 1st nominee. The Lord has taken a great one home. My sincerest thoughts and prayers to his family. Please find comfort in knowing how much he was loved and respected by all.

Jim & Lezlie Estes

October 12, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Kathie and your family. Walt will certainly remain a legend at College of the Redwoods. More importantly, he will live on in the hearts and spirits of all who were fortunate to have met him, played on one of his youth teams, was an athlete or coach at C/R during Walt's tenure, or whomever had the opportunity to develope a personal friendship with him. In a world where the majority of folks change their minds or switch alligences with the passing wind, Walt could be counted on to remain solidly grounded in life and supportive of those he respected. Please know that although we regret that we will not be able to attend the celebrations of Walt's life back in California we will forever hold on to the special memories of Walt's friendship and the many contributions he has made to his communities.

October 12, 2010

I was at CR from 1980-1993 and got to know Walt quite well. I considered him a friend and we used to have a lot of "chats" mainly about the 49ers (his team) and the Rams (my team). He was "one of the good guys" and was never at a lost to speak his mind. My sincere condolences to his family.

Jim Harrington

Barry Mendenhall

October 12, 2010

Our entire family sends our best to Kathy and the family. Jim was a great man and gave countless hours to serve the youth of the Eel River valley. Not many have given back to the community, like Jim has.

Larry and Linda Biondini

October 12, 2010

We are so saddened to hear about Jim. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family; take care and take time and may peace come to you.

Deacon Jeff Jacobs

October 12, 2010

My prayers go out to Walt's family. Many good times and great stories were told by Walt when I knew him as I played at CR. Walt is now with our Lord; the ultimate coach.

Sharon Scriven-Iwanick

October 12, 2010

As usual I check my hometown newspaper. I was saddened today to read the death of Jim Walters. To my high school friend Kathie, and her family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Sharon Scriven-Iwanick

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