Dr. James Walters

Dr. James Walters
12/21/2025
Beloved Christian, husband, father, grandfather, and educator. Our dear Dr. Walters went home to the arms of his heavenly Father on 12/21/25, which was also the first day of winter. The world seems colder and darker without him.
Jim was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on 10/27/38. He was the fraternal twin to Peters Walters. Exactly 6 years later on 10/27/44, a sister, Judy, was born. Their mother called it the "ultimate form of family planning." Jim's parents, Edwin Eugene Walters and Carlotta Rose Walters, graduated from the University of Michigan. Jim studied at the University of Michigan for 3 years, detoured to the Army where he reached the E-6 rank in 18 months, & transferred to Michigan State University where he received his BS in Psychology in 1965, MA in Experimental Psychology in 1967, and PhD in Experimental Psychology in 1969. While teaching at the New England College of Optometry, Jim earned his Doctor of Optometry in 1974.
He started teaching at University of Houston College of Optometry in 1975. During his career there, he served as President of the Faculty Senate and Director, Ocular Diagnostic Clinic. He lectured internationally on retinal pathology. Michael Twa, Dean of the University of Houston College of Optometry, shared: "Dr. Walters was one of the longest-serving clinical faculty members in the history of the University of Houston College of Optometry. Over a career spanning 50 years, he taught generations of students and cared for countless patients in the area of ocular disease. His clinical expertise focused on retinal disease and clinical retinal electrophysiology. Through his deep knowledge and exceptional clinical skill, Dr. Walters helped prevent vision loss for many patients while advancing the practice of optometry.
As an educator, Dr. Walters gave generously of his time and energy to thousands of students. He took his role as a teacher and mentor seriously, setting high standards. Whether lecturing to clinicians internationally or working 1:1 with students, he was at his best when sharing knowledge and investing in others.
After retiring, Jim built tables and excelled in photography. His photographs of Paris are in the permanent collection of the Alliance Francaise in Houston, TX.
He had a great sense of humor, was the master of the pun, fought for the underdog, and enjoyed entertaining his family and friends.
In 2012, Jim went on a mission trip to the Abba House children's home in Kathmandu, Nepal which changed his life. "Grandpa" was adopted by the children while he worked on improving the orphanage and he embarked on annual trips to visit the kids. His spaghetti dinners became an Abba House tradition. During patient care, he would offer patients a visit to Abba House. One of his patients actually accepted his offer and accompanied him and his wife to visit Abba House in 2017. Dr. Walters financed new construction remodeling of the orphanage. Finally, one girl at Abba House asked Grandpa to walk her down the aisle when she was married. Although she had not known her grandfather or father, she wrote she "knew the love of a father" because of Grandpa. He escorted her down the aisle in June 2024.
Dr. Walters is survived by his wife, Eugenia; his former wife, Kathy Parkans; their daughter, Angela Franklin; their granddaughters, Jordan Truman (Brian Frye) and Avery Franklin; and their grandson, Luke Franklin; his sister, Judy (Jack) Cole; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carlotta and Edwin Walters; his brother, Pete (Alice) Walters; and his daughter, Amy McQueen.
The celebration of life for Dr. Walters will be held on 1/22/26, Thursday, at 3 pm at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, Houston, TX. Please view www.doctorjimwalters.com and share your story or memory.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. John the Divine Episcopal Church for Abba House, the children's home in Kathmandu, Nepal that Dr. Walters had loved and supported since 2012 until his death in 2025. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.