Raymond Jack Walts

Raymond Jackson “Jack” Walts, age 81, passed peacefully at Davis Hospice on December 23, 2024. He was born September 17, 1943 in Waukegan, Illinois to Richard Elmer Walts and Virginia Jane Walts (Grommet). Jack honorably served as a Captain in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a helicopter pilot, earning a number of awards and recognitions, including the Air Medal with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters. He graduated from the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy in Rolla, Missouri, and pursued his Masters degree at the University of Missouri in Columbia. 

Jack spent his career with the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as a civil engineer specializing in flood relief and irrigation management across the Mountain West. He was often called upon for special assignments where his expertise could be trusted to solve complex problems. He managed to retire for the entirety of a few short weeks before volunteering for the local volunteer fire department in Evansville, WY where his physicality, strength, and drive to care for others shined bright.

Jack was so much more than a decorated Veteran, accomplished engineer, and firefighter. He was proud of his service and profession, but his true passion was people. He met every new face with the hope of a potential new friend and the opportunity to be of service. He was happiest when he was helping someone and easing the load of whatever burden they happened to be carrying. He was the quintessential son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and always a loyal friend. He was forever most proud of his title of “Papa Jack” and loved being known as the neighborhood papa. 

Jack impacted the lives of many. He had a gift for knowing what people needed and when they needed it most. He was the ultimate confidant and advisor. He played instrumental roles in every church he and his family attended, served on the boards of a variety of civic organizations, and volunteered at his children’s schools; best known in Casper for his famous popsicle draw bridge at Crest Hill Elementary and teaching innovative math strategies to a bewildered 7th grade class at CY Junior High. 

While Jack was often found telling jokes, singing obscure lyrics from old songs, and ensuring everyone valued the lighter side of life, he was a soulful renaissance man whose passions for the deep came to life through his affinity for poetry, philosophy, and great literary works. He shared a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, always striving to perfect his woodworking skills and fostering relationships with good friends he deeply admired who were ultimately more like family to him than friends. 

Jack lived a rich life, bringing joy to all who had the opportunity to experience the sparkle in his eyes and his contagious smile. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard E. Walts, his wife, Betty G. Walts (Meguire), and his daughter Amanda Jane Jagoditsh (Walts). He is survived by, and will be profoundly missed by, his mother, Virginia Jane Walts, twin sister Sharon Pochek, brother Rick (Mary) Walts, daughter Sheila (David) Bush, step-daughter Michelle (Henry) Biggart, step-son Mark (Jamee) Petersen, and son in-law Dan (Amanda) Jagoditsh. His grandchildren are Josh Baker, Laura Baker, Lindsey Biggart, Preston Biggart, Blake Petersen, Benjamin Bush, and Ryan Bush. He has one great-grandson, Austin Reed.

Services will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Cheyenne, WY, on Friday, January 17 at 10:00 AM.