James Robert, or Jim Bob to friends and family, is the youngest boy. He’s fascinated by aero planes and aspires to become a pilot. Poor eyesight sidelines that dream, but a fondness for tinkering with old cars and parts leads to building his first car from scratch. Eventually, Jim Bob opens an auto mechanic shop opposite Ike’s general store.

INSP viewers chose their favorite Walton – here’s what some said about Jim Bob…

From ~ Carol, Indiana

He looks so much like my son David, and is shy, sneaky, and reserved, with a bigger-than-life heart. He is easily overlooked, but when he is absent, he leaves a large hole in their family life.

From ~ Dorothy, Indiana

He reminds me of my own son. I easily identify with his personality. He is of a quiet nature and can easily be overlooked. His aspiration to be a pilot is so sincere. He has a sweet spirit.

From ~ Pat, Tennessee

He always looks so forlorn that you just want to hug him.

From ~ Victoria, Oregon

The underdog is always my favorite … and he is cute and smart.

From ~ Kathy, Virginia

Jim Bob reminded me of my own little brother in that he wanted to be included in what we older kids were doing.  I loved that.

From ~ Irma, Virginia

His innocence is delightful, and his trying to grow up actions are very down to earth. I love to hear him talk!

From ~ Vicky, Ohio

Jim Bob always seemed to be the odd-man out in the family. Not as talented, not as smart as his siblings but he always tried his best at whatever he did and had a heart of gold!

From ~ Craig, Vermont

I liked him cause he had a good head on his shoulders.  I also liked how he fixed and worked on cars.  He seemed really smart and soaked in a lot of knowledge.

From ~ Alex, Ohio

I like Jim Bob (James Robert!) because he is a die-hard gear head. I am enjoying watching his car come together – which is pretty amazing putting it together piece by piece from junk and scrap! I am going to give him a loud “Whoo-Hoo!” when the episode finally comes when he gets to drive it. Having built my own motorbike from scratch myself, I can totally relate. Also as a motorcyclist and knowing firsthand the thrill and exhilaration of racing, the episode where Jim Bob races Ike’s motorcycle to a 3rd place (today that would be “on the podium”) finish was pretty cool too. It reminds me that at almost 50 years old I still feel like the 14 year-old youngster I was at my first race. I TiVo every episode and have been enjoying The Waltons way more than I did when I was a teenager – when some of the life lessons they sneak into each episode eluded me back then. Now I can totally relate. Thanks for airing them.

From ~ Dave, Iowa

Because he seems to represent the rebel found in all of us at times yet remains respectful of his family’s value system. He built a car, earning it rather than buying it, he raced motorcycles initially against his mother’s wishes but honestly expressed why it fit his personality and he flew airplanes. All those activities allowed him the freedom to “live” and remain at home at the same time to help care for what his family needed from him, too.

From ~ Cindy, Tennessee

I like Jim Bob because he is always up to something, like the peacock episode, him building the car, and making the alarm system when Elizabeth was sleep walking. He also seemed to be the character overlooked most often. I love the show … thank you for bringing it back to life!

From ~ Brenda, Georgia

Jim Bob is the typical goof-off in the family. He is the one who always seems to be out of step but gets there on time anyway. Just a loving young man.

From ~ Jean, Iowa

Jim Bob tries so hard, he works so hard, his feelings run so deep, yet it seems like he’s hardly noticed. He’s inspiring. He makes you feel like you can accomplish anything.

From ~ Petra, Texas

Jim Bob is my favorite because he is a dreamer. A very sensitive boy that loves his family very much but doesn’t show it so obviously.

From ~ Megan, Ohio

Jim Bob is a unique personality. He shows you a different side to everything, and nothing he does is ever expected. He brings something to the show no one else could, and frankly, he just makes me laugh! The things that kid comes up with…

From ~ Ronee, Missouri

Jim Bob watches and listens. Although he doesn’t say much, he truly shows the cohesiveness of family. He would be one that would carry on in the Walton tradition!

From ~ Sara, Indiana

Jim Bob is my favorite because he’s a free spirit. He just likes to enjoy life. He’s always himself and doesn’t care what people think about it!

From ~ Archie, Arizona

Jim Bob looks at things in an uncomplicated and straight-forward manner. He also says exactly what’s on his mind, again in an uncomplicated and straight-forward manner.

From ~ Greg, South Carolina

He’s quiet and shy but full of wisdom. He has overcome so much in his life and is pressing on with a new found faith in Christ.

From ~ Carol, Indiana

He has a heart of gold and willing to do anything for anyone. Sensitive and loving. He is slow to anger and has a soft soothing voice. Loves mechanical things and is willing to work hard for what he wants. Smarter than what he thinks he is, like in the episode where John Boy reports there are 10,000 unemployed writers, Jim Bob told him if they work for themselves why would they be unemployed??

From ~ Faith, Louisiana

Although fairly quiet and one who enjoys his solitude, Jim Bob is really likable due to his dreams of flight, the obvious special bond he shares with Grandpa, and his ability to envision his first car out of random pieces of junk. Jim Bob’s depth shines through and it is inspiring to see him wearing his aviator’s cap and looking skyward.

From ~ Terry, Texas

Jim Bob is such a quiet, thinking character that is constantly pondering everything around him but he is just such a gentle soul. He makes me feel good about young people. I wish all young people expressed themselves as the Jim Bob character does.

From ~ Margie, North Carolina

Because he is always working on things for other people. He is always trying to come up with new ideas and he always show good Christian values. He is always there to lend a helping hand when someone’s car needs fixing.

From ~ Ellen, Massachusetts

He is the most sensitive of all the kids and portrays a depression-era kid just the way you would expect them to be. He loves his siblings but gives them their space and just seems real genuine. I love the special bond he has with his grandfather.