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James Neilan "Jim" Walter, 75, died March 21 at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend. Born Oct. 21, 1935, at Seward, he was the son of Harry H. and Edna D. (Grow) Walter. He married Alice Lytle Root on April 10, 1982, at First United Methodist Church in Great Bend. A lifetime Great Bend resident, he was a master electrician and operated Jim Walter Electric. He was also an inspector for the Board of Construction, Trades, Examiner & Appeals.

Mr. Walter served in the National Guard. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, where he was chairman of the Finance Committee, former board of trustees member, and was instrumental in starting the tape ministry to the homebound. He was also a coordinator for the Barton County Community Collaboration Rain, Hail and Snow Observations.

Survivors include his wife Alice, of the home; one son, Jay Neilan Walter and wife Debra of Arkansas City; four stepsons, Robert Root and wife Mary of Fort Worth, Texas, Ron Root and wife Chris of Dallas, Texas, Steve Root and wife Michella of Great Bend, and Paul Root and wife Margaret of Lenexa; one daughter, Catherine "Cathy" Height and husband David of Taos, N.M.; one stepdaughter, Linda Farthing and husband Jim of Great Bend; two sisters, Delora Baldwin and husband Marvin, and Myrla Keenan and husband Mike, all of Great Bend; five grandchildren, Shaun Walter, Christine Walter, Jacy Walter, Jonathan Height and Matthew Height; nine step-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, Harold Loren Walter.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church in Great Bend, with the Rev. Tom Sheldon officiating. Interment will be at the Great Bend Cemetery, with military honors by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, with the family receiving friends from 7-8 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church or CKMC Foundation, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.