James Walters

James Walters, age 53, passed away on September 11, 2026, in Batesville, Arkansas.

Born on May 4, 1973, in San Francisco, California, James was the beloved son of Gwain Virgil Walters, Jr. and Kimberly D. Drumheiser. Though born in California, he later made his home in Heber Springs, Arkansas, where he lived and spent his time surrounded by the community he loved.

James possessed a natural talent for mechanics, taking great pride in his career at Delta Air Lines, where he dedicated his skills to maintaining and working on their machinery. Known for his strong work ethic and problem-solving abilities, James kept things moving smoothly and was a respected member of his team.

When he wasn’t working on machinery, James loved nothing more than heading out into nature to pan for gold. This lifelong passion was inspired by his grandmother, Lieliene Moore, who shared her love of the craft and instilled in him a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He found peace and excitement in the quiet patience of the riverbeds, always chasing the next strike. Those who knew him will remember his grit, his sense of adventure, and the deep passion he brought to his work and his hobbies.

He is survived by his three children, James Jr., Julia, and Joshua; his loving parents, Gwain and Kimberly; his brothers and sisters, Becky, Tabitha, Dubbs, Fred, Kiki, and Crystal; and a large, supportive extended family and network of dear friends, including his cousin, Bobie Homan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to support them during this difficult time. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help with final expenses. The link to contribute can be found shared directly on James's personal Facebook page as well as on Bobie Moore-Homan’s Facebook feed.