John Ralph Walter

John “Jack” Ralph Walter, 84, of La Junta, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2014 at his residence. Jack was born in La Junta on December 27, 1929, son of the late Reuben James and Pearl (Clinger) Walter. One of ten children, Jack entered the world at a time of little prosperity in America, during the depression.


Jack had been a cowboy, trucker, and rancher all his life. He began breaking colts at age 12. At age 14, he made his first claim to fame at the La Junta Kids Rodeo by earning the title of Top Hand. In 1948, he took 3rd place in amateur bronc riding at Cheyenne, and in 1950, he won the all-around title at Eads by taking 1st place in saddle bronc, bareback bronc riding and bulldogging. During this same time, Jack was driving a truck and hauling livestock for ranchers, but continued with his love of rodeo.


In 1951, Jack took a 4 year vacation from trucking and rodeos and joined the Navy. He served on a destroyer in the Korean War as Torpedoman’s Mate 3rd Class. He was Honorably Discharged from the service in 1954, and returned to La Junta to his truck driving.


Jack married Shirley Blakney on January 23, 1957, and they soon after started a beautiful family of three rowdy and ornery boys. In 1963 they purchased a trucking business from his father-in-law, John Blakney, and began operating the Jack Walter Trucking Company.


Jack and Shirley continued with the trucking business, as well as his interest in rodeo. This time, however, his interest and love for rodeo was through his three boys. He was actively involved with the boys in their rodeo, including serving as a pick-up man for several years. In fact, when his youngest son, Jim won the Colorado State High School finals in 1981, Jack hazed for him the entire year. He was not only Jim’s hazer, but his biggest fan. The family traveled all over Colorado, Kansas, and Wyoming, participating in the Little Britches Rodeo.


Jack and Shirley sold the trucking business in 1977, and he continued as a self-employed Rancher/Cattleman and cowboy in the La Junta and Higbee Valley for the remainder of his life. He enjoyed working cattle, horses, and spending time with his grandkids. He instilled within his grandkids, who endearingly called him “Poppy,” his love for cattle and riding horses. As retirement became more visible to Jack, he purchased a boat, and enjoyed taking his boys and grandchildren on fishing trips.


At the end of a long and honorable life, Jack could be found riding in his little green Ford Ranger, heading to Higbee to remain involved in his family’s farming and ranching operation. You could also find him buying roses or splitting a hamburger with his wife at the Hogsbreath. And, ever the devoted cattleman, he never missed a Tuesday cattle sale.


He is survived by his wife, Shirley Blakney Walter of the family home; children, Mike (Debbie) of Olney Springs, Alan & Family of Los Angeles, CA, and Jim & Family of Higbee; sisters, Mary Jane Hesslink of Ordway and Edith (Lloyd) Hall of Delhi, CO; brothers, Rev. William Walter of Olathe, KS and Tom (Glenna) Walter of Rocky Ford; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, son William “Billy”, three brothers, Grant, Bob and Alan Walter; two sisters, Ruth Rafferty and Wanda Walter.


Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


Funeral services will be on Thursday, April 17th, at 11 a.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene Church in La Junta with Pastor Ed Kite of the First Church of God officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 16th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel.  Interment will follow at the Fairview Cemetery.