James W. Walter, Sr.

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For the venture capitalist, philanthropist, political activist, writer and son of James W. Walter, Sr., see James W. Walter.

James W. Walter, Sr. (September 18, 1922 – January 6, 2000), of Tampa, Florida in the United States, was a home builder who started Jim Walter Homes and Walter Industries, now a leading producer of metallurgical coal for the worldwide steel industry, in 1946 with $1,000 he borrowed from his father. Walter eventually sold the company in 1986 for $2 billion to KKR.

Jim Walter homes were "shell" homes meaning the company would complete the outside so that the house was water tight and then allow the customer to finish the inside with his own labor and materials. The result was very affordable homes.

In 1961 he bought Celotex using just stock in Jim Walter Homes. The Wall Street Journal wrote, "Jonah has just swallowed the whale."

In 1968, Walter bought US Pipe and Foundry. Later, Walter acquired Fry Roofing, Georgia Marble, and various other building material companies.

His wife, Monica Walter, died in 1982, leaving two sons, James W. Walter jr. and Robert Walter. He was the son of Ebe and Mabel Walter. The book Building a Business: The Jim Walter Story tells his story.