John B. "Jack" Walters

John B. “Jack” Walters, a lifelong resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away at the age of 103 years on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Grand Living at Indian Creek in Cedar Rapids. In agreement with his wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will greet friends and family from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church, located at 310 5th Street S.E., in Cedar Rapids. A Memorial Service followed by military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the church, with Pastor Heather Hayes officiating. Inurnment will take place at 2 p.m., on Saturday, at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in Cedar Rapids. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family with arrangements.

Jack was born on January 8, 1921, in Rockford, Illinois, the son of Reuben R. and Mae Louise (Baily) Walters. By age 11, he had lost both of his parents and learned the value of hard work. He worked for The Cedar Rapids Gazette and sold various items that earned him money. Jack graduated from Franklin High School in 1939 and from Coe College in 1946, after his service in the Army Air Corps. He married Ann Louise Engberg on February 14, 1943, just prior to entering his service of duty during World War II. Jack was a B-26 Martin Marauder pilot, flying 33 combat missions in the European Theatre. He earned the ETO ribbon with two battle stars, and an Air Medal with a silver oak leaf cluster. His post-war activity included memberships in the B-26 Historical Society and the 9th Air Force Association.

After his military service and graduation from Coe, Jack was employed for more than 48 years as an agent and general agent in the Cedar Rapids Agency of National Life of Vermont, and he was a registered representative for Equity Service, Inc. He earned his Chartered Life Underwriter degree in 1951. Jack served as President of the local Life Underwriters’ Association and the local chapter of the American Society of CLU. He was also a charter member of the Cedar Rapids Estate Planning Council. Jack was active in local civic activities which included chairman of Linn County Republicans, National Chairman of Coe College’s Alumni Association, charter member and Past-President of the Thursday Noon Optimist Club, Chairman of the Heart Fund, and former member of the Cedar Rapids Planning Commission for 25 years. He also volunteered at St. Luke’s Hospital, until his hearing disability interfered with his work. For 40 years, Jack and Ann enjoyed owning a cottage and boat in McGregor, Iowa, on the Mississippi River, where he was Past-Commodore of MUMYBC, the McGregor area Boat Club.

He was raised as a Christian Scientist, but he became a member of the First Presbyterian Church in 1941, until his death, where Jack served as a trustee and elder. Travel was also a family activity. Jack and Ann were proud that they had visited all 50 states, parts of Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and parts of Europe. They were loyal Coe Kohawk and Hawkeye fans and enjoyed the Rose Bowl, when the Iowa Hawkeyes played and won in 1959. Education was a large focus of their lives, and they made sure all of their children received college degrees. They also opened their home to foreign exchange students from Brazil and Italy. Jack also maintained a fascination with the Ringling Brothers’ Circus since his childhood, and a highlight of his life had been the opportunity to personally meet both Felix Adler and Emmett Kelly, two of Ringling’s most famous clowns. Jack will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jack is survived and lovingly remembered by his four children, James (Janet) Walters of Lake Lure, North Carolina, Martha (David) Booth of Cedar Rapids, Thomas (Susan) Walters of LaValle, Wisconsin, and Mary (Scott) Malcolm of Wheaton, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Drew (Tonya) Harper and their children, Connor and Lily, Greg Walters, Michael (Kelly) Walters and their daughters, Emmy and Annie, Sara (Chris) Graverson and their children, Collin and Cora, Eric (Alexandra) Malcolm and their children, Cody, Audrey, Kari, Alaina, and Piper, Kristin Malcolm, Karen (Andy) Galica and their children, Emma, Ava, and Sarah; and his niece, Anne (Tim) Leland.

He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife of 69 years, Ann Louise Walters, in 2012; sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Kenneth Schoner; and his sister-in-law and her husband, Marjorie and Robert Straka.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to all the staff at Grand Living at Indian Creek and with St. Croix Hospice for the love, care and support they gave to Jack during his stay and final days.

Memorials in Jack’s memory may be directed to either First Presbyterian Church or Coe College, both in Cedar Rapids.

Please share a memory of Jack at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.