A Life of Service, Teaching & Compassion through Christ.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the life of Dr. Walters on Thursday, January 22, 2026
at 3:00 p.m. at St. John the Divine in Houston, Texas.

All who knew and loved Dr. Walters are welcome.

Dr. Walters was wise beyond words. One thing I remember from one of his lectures was always remember the train on the other track-meaning don’t miss the thing you’re not exactly looking for-make sure your mind is open to all possibilities and catch anything you can when making a diagnosis. Keep an eye out for all related things and don’t assume you know it all! He also said the key to a good diagnosis is a good description…if you don’t have the exact name, a good description is just as useful! Thank you Dr. Walters for helping me become a more thorough eye doctor to this day. Your love for Jesus showed in your heart for human beings. You will be missed.

—Melissa Poppenhusen
I worked with Dr. Walters at UHCO and one day we had a tour group of elementary or middle school students come through for career day. He passed by and was introduced to the kids and they had a lot of questions. He listened intently and answered every one . A student asked him how old he was and how long he’d been working. He responded and one of the kids asked a follow up question as to when he might retire. He answered he no plans to retire and said he would work as long as he was physically able. He told the group to find their passion and they would have a career of their own to love just as he had. It was such a sweet moment and you could feel his energy and passion. He definitely made an impression on those kids!

—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
I remember Jim as the kindest, most generous man I’ve ever met. Always positive in outlook, always appreciated a good joke. As a gourmet cook Cindy and and I were fortunate to share Eugenia’s and Jim’s wonderful dinners where the only thing better than the food was the conversation. We loved Jim and will miss his gentle spirit. He will live on in our hearts and memories.

—Bruce Onofrey
Dr. Walters shared his welcoming, loving spirit openly. I rarely took a college guest through OD/Med when we wouldn't see him and say hi. Dr. Walters would stop, say hello, and share his love for optometry and UHCO.

— Lyle Tate
I graduated from UHCO years ago. But I still quote Dr. Walters to this day: “Ask not what is it, ask what could it be? If it’s not on your differentials you’ll never get it.” Wise words I will continue to practice by the rest of my life.

— Linus Klingler