James Clarence Walton

James Clarence Walton, born October 29, 1941, to J.C. Walton and Helen Pitts Walton in Columbus, Georgia, died peacefully at home on March 11, 2024.  Jim lived all his life in Columbus, graduating from Columbus High School and attending Columbus College before beginning his career with Georgia Power Company. There he was a respected engineer for over 50 years, serving the southwest territory of the state of Georgia, and was awarded Engineer of the Year multiple times.

Jim had many interests including photography, music, British sports cars, stained glass, and model airplanes. He was an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and especially enjoyed singing in the choir and being part of the Men’s Bible Study.  Jim was a member and former President of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Columbus, an engaged member of the Friday Friars, the Country Club of Columbus, and the Brits in the Valley car enthusiasts group. Jim was a wonderful friend to all who knew him, and unmistakable around town in his restored cherry red 1963 MGB convertible. Those who knew Jim were familiar with his quick laugh and warm conversation, selfless attitude, and love of all things Columbus.

Jim’s active mind and outgoing nature served him throughout his life, and his genuine love of people drove his engaged involvement in every group to which he belonged.  Whether in church, attending a car show, or meeting with friends for lunch, Jim made time for others and maintained strong relationships up until his death. The only thing that Jim loved more than spending time with friends and family was his marriage of more than 30 years to his devoted wife, Anne. Jim and Anne met at church in 1992 at St. Paul and were inseparable from then on.  Throughout their three decades together, they built a life that Jim cherished and which brought him deep peace and joy. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Thomas Edward Walton, and his sister-in-law Marcia Oxford Walton. Survivors include his beloved wife, Anne Butler Walton, daughter Elizabeth Walton Dabbs of Cedartown, and granddaughters Kimberly Greene Shuman and Kristen Greene; stepson Joel Wooten of Columbia, SC and his wife Ellen Spiller, stepdaughter Katherine Wooten of Decatur, GA and her wife Charlotte Cloyd, stepson Frank Wooten of Atlanta, GA and his wife Zelie, three great-grandchildren, and five step-grandchildren. Other survivors include in-laws Ray and Katherine Hill of Atlanta, Frank and Pat Butler of Macon, nephew Ward Walton of St. Louis Park, MN and niece Sara Walton of Franklin, TN. 

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 15, at 2:00 pm at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Columbus. Following the service, the family will receive guests until 3:30 at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Ben Moon Foundation of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Columbus or to the music ministries of St. Paul United Methodist Church.

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