—Melissa Poppenhusen

—Melissa Mares

"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 also 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 and consistently set high standards. Whether lecturing to clinicians around the world or working one-on-one with students in his office as they prepared case presentations for Grand Rounds, he was at his best when sharing knowledge and investing in others.

After retiring, Jim continued to pursue his passions for photography, art, and service. For many years, he photographed nature, cityscapes, and a wide range of subjects. One of his photographs, Antelope Canyon (2009), hangs in the University of Houston College of Optometry Clinic and is a personal favorite of mine. The ray of light captured in that image symbolizes much of what Jim sought in his professional life—light, knowledge, direction, hope, and understanding. For many, Jim himself was a source of that light and hope. Communication was top-notch, and the final outcome was even better than we imagined. A great experience all around."

—Michael Twa

—Bruce Onofrey

— Lyle Tate

— Linus Klingler

Growing up, Jim was known to me as “my uncle from Texas.” As his nephew living in Canada, I didn’t see him often, but every time we were together, he left a lasting impression. Alongside his twin brother, Pete, Jim had an energy and curiosity that captivated me as a child and continued to inspire me as an adult. He learned by doing, by testing, and by living life fully, and through that experience became deeply wise — not because he followed advice, but because he lived it.

My wife Kristi and I were fortunate to celebrate our wedding with Jim and Eugenia in 1998, and from the moment Eugenia joined our family, she brought warmth, laughter, and kindness that perfectly complemented Jim. Whether visiting in Michigan or Canada, or hosting us in Houston, and whether through food, conversation, stories, or example, Jim was always teaching and always serving. He did God’s work on earth resolutely and purposefully, believing his knowledge and abilities were meant to be shared in service to others. We feel incredibly grateful to have known him, and we will always carry the indelible impression he left on our lives.

— Jeff and Kristi Cole

When I think of Jim, I’ll remember his passion - For optometry, retinal disease, and especially for his students. I can’t count the times that he said to me “I just LOVE what I do!” He didn’t want to retire because working really brought him so much joy. He was so generous with his time & his knowledge.

He was passionate about a LOT outside of the College, too. Photography was a longtime love of his, and his photos decorate the Medical Eye Service still. This framed photo of Dalmatian puppies is one of his oldest, and when he retired he told me that I could have it because he knew how much I love it. I will treasure it. His black & white images of New Years Eve in Paris as we entered the year 2000 are spectacular, and his nature photos including Antelope Canyon & one of a volcano (not sure where it was taken, but my children referred to it as “the fire people”) hang prominently in the clinic & remind me of him daily.

He was passionate about cooking and entertaining. He often hosted large Thanksgiving feasts at his beautiful home, welcoming students and friends who were unable to be with their families. He delighted in telling about his latest gourmet recipe & wine pairing, always saying that he LOVED spending time in the kitchen creating something special.

He was passionate about the children at the orphanage in Nepal that he and Eugenia lovingly supported for many years.

And he was most passionate about his family. He loved his daughters, adored his grandchildren, and cherished his wife.

— Danica Marrelli

— Sara Butterworth Connell

— Brian Jones

— Amanda Bachman

— Margi Patel

— Karen Allen

— Azadeh Razmandi

— Kim Krohn

— John Carter

— Anamika Desai

— Michael Reyes

— Kristen Watt

— Nipa Kanjiya Patel

— Diana Pallini

— Yvonne Marie

— Sandra Fortenberry

—Melissa McCord Mares

— Mallory Ball Thornton

— Tigi Manaloor

— Amy Kirkpatrick-Hartman

— Alice Thai Paul

— Ruby Wright

— Susan Sanders DeBlack

— TuAnn Nguyễn

— Trish Cisarik

— Deanna Pena Garcia

— Barry Mitchell

— Robin Harris Szabo

— Kara Hanson

— Jill Currin Autry

— Gulrez Khoja

— Olivia Carleo Eklund

— Larry Baitch

— Elliot Walsh

— Haseeb Bacchus

— Elmo Dean

— L L

— Kevin Johnson

— Purvi Patel

— Laurie White

— Nick Holdeman

— Jason Works

— Susan Sanders DeBlack

— Marti Clement

— Rob Blain

— Bradly Larson

— Aaron Rosenstein

— Anna Aratani

— Pradip Khatri KC

50 years. Jim Walters’s impact on my life started 50 years ago and still continues . It is estimated that 90% of what we remember actually encompasses less than 10% of our life. I believe it is far less than that, as the really important lessons we learn, those that last, may be counted on one hand.
50 years ago I was a second year student at UH College of Optometry. Jim Walters was my instructor and he had a particular interest and expertise in Ushers Syndrome, congenital deafness and guaranteed blindness early in life. Dr Walters selected a small group of students to accompany him for screenings at 3 schools for the deaf in Beaumont and Louisiana. I was part of that small, privileged, group. Little did I know how that trip would impact me in my future roles as a caregiver, a provider, and a human being.
We stayed in the dorm rooms at the schools. The rooms were very small with single beds and thin walls. We joined with the students for meals and assembled in the cafeteria for the dilated exams. Jim had instructed us to report any findings of bony spicules to him ( retinal findings) and to discuss how our conversations with the parents should be phrased.
I had never had to tell a parent that their already deaf child was also going to be blind. I watched Jim Walters exude such a calmness and hopefulness with this devastating news. He sat close to the Moms, held their hands as he spoke, and related the clinical information with a plan of action for moving forward. He was unhurried and kind and ever empathetic to their timing , to their questions. Each conversation took as long as it needed to. It never ended until the tears had stopped and we saw that Mom had a certain peace regarding what the family could do in the immediate future.
I have never forgotten those conversations, and Jim Walter’s kind way of comforting and informing a parent and the children of their future paths. His empathy and tenderness and intentional unhurried words were perfect. I have remembered them for 50 years. They have guided me many times both professionally and personally. I know his words have guided so many others as well throughout the past 50 years. He was truly Our Lords light into the lives of countless patients, family members, and friends. You will be missed JIm.

— Martha Galli

— Prathana

— Bhim and Kabi Paudel

— Bhim Kabi Paudel