Jimmy (Jim) Frank Walters

Jimmy (Jim) Frank Walters, a resident of Rochester, Texas, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026 in Abilene, Texas. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in Rochester, Texas under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes, Rochester. Pastor Brad Wilkinson will be officiating. Lunch will be provided after the service at the Rochester Fire Department building.

Jim was born September 26, 1956 to Janice Marita (Stueart) and Travis Frank Walters. He attended school in Dimmitt, Littlefield, Cayuga, and Olton. Graduating from Olton High School in 1975, he received a life time teaching certificate from Wayland Baptist University in 1986.

He married the love of his life, Debbie Peters of Olton, Texas, November 26, 1976. They spent 49 years together. He was a bronc rider and bull fighter for several years. Jim had a gift of fixing anything. He had a diverse field of occupations in his life. He was a steel erector, managed maintenance for Olton ISD and taught construction trades at Olton ISD for twelve years. He was over maintenance at Ceta Canyon Camp and Retreat Center at Happy, Texas for nine years. He returned back to teaching construction and electrical trades in Texas prison systems for Wyndham School District. Retiring in September 2021.

Jim was very active in the church and community in Olton, Happy, and Rochester. He served as an EMT-II for Olton and Wayside volunteer ambulance services for 23 years. He served on Wayside and Rochester volunteer Fire Departments for 13 years. Jim received Olton Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year in 1988. He was a Happy School Board member for two terms. He served on South Plains Emergency Medical Services board for a term. He was also a certified CPR instructor and taught for many years. He coached Little Dribblers Basketball, youth baseball and was a Boy Scout Leader.

He was happiest cooking on his chuckwagon with his family for competition, ranches, and individuals. He won the world Chicken Fried Steak award in 2007 and the National Championship Chuckwagon Cookoff in 2014.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Walters of Rochester; sons, Tron Walters (Dakota), Cole Walters (Sarah) of Amarillo; two daughters, Janda (Kylen) Hall of Olton, and Jenny Taylor of Lubbock; 16 grandchildren and one great grandson.

He preceded in death by his parents, Travis and Janice Walters; brothers, Sam Walters and Marty Walters.

Memorials can be made in Jimmy’s name to Rochester Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 26, Rochester, Texas 79544.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.