James Neilan "Jim" Walter, 75, died March 21, 2011 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born October 21, 1935 at Seward, Kansas, the son of Harry H. and Edna D. (Grow) Walter. He married Alice Lytle Root April 10, 1982 at First United Methodist Church, Great Bend. A lifetime Great Bend resident, Mr. Walter was a master electrician and operated Jim Walter Electric and was an inspector for the Board of Construction, Trades, Examiner and Appeals. He served in the National Guard. Mr. Walter was a member of First United Methodist Church, where he was chairman of the finance committee, a 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 Walter of the home; one son, Jay Neilan Walter and wife Debra, Arkansas City, Kansas; one daughter, Catherine "Cathy" Height and husband David, Taos, New Mexico; four step-sons: Robert Root and wife Mary, Fort Worth, Texas; Ron Root and wife Chris, Dallas, Texas; Steve Root and wife Michelle, Great Bend; and Paul Root and wife Margaret, Lenexa, Kansas; one step-daughter, Linda Farthing and husband Jim, Great Bend; two sisters: Delora Baldwin and husband Marvin, Great Bend; and Myrla Keenan and husband Mike, Great Bend; five grandchildren: Shawn Walter, Christine Walter, Jacy Walter, Jonathan Height, and Matthew Height; three great-grandchildren; nine grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, Harold Loren Walter. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 25, 2011 at First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Tom Sheldon officiating. Burial with military honors by the Fort Riley Honor Guard will be in Great Bend Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 24, 2011 at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to First United Methodist Church or CKMC Foundation, in care of the funeral home.