Obituary of James Joseph Walsh

James Joseph Walsh April 20, 1934 - January 1, 2019Loving father of Jacqueline (Brian) Hibbert of St. Marys, ON, Stephen (Lizanne) Walsh of Victoria, BC, Denise (Scott) Robertson of Mt. Tarcoole, Australia. Beloved Grandad & Papa to Jocelyn (Marc) Gagnon, Ariana (Martin) Poch, Philip (Kayla) Hibbert, Paul Hibbert (Nicole) , Liam Walsh, Emily Walsh (Jay), Conor Walsh (Tari), and Ethan Zachary. Papa to five Great Grandchildren, Luc Gagnon, Glen Gagnon, Caelyn Walsh, Norah Poch and Logan Poch. Honorary Papa to Kelly, James, Rebecca and Sarah. Special Uncle Jim to Bridget (the little one) and his many nieces, nephews, and other family members in Canada, the US, England, Wales and Ireland. Predeceased by his mother Mary and father Michael, his beloved youngest daughter Angela Litt (2009), brothers Michael, Martin, and sisters Kathleen and Joan. Survived by his loving brother Patrick (Mary) and his sister Mary. Fondly remembered by his best friend Pearl Forbes and the Ramus family, Michelle, Martin and Phillip. Jim will be missed by his brothers and sisters in law in Wales, Peter (June), Paul, Elsie (Gwilym), Vera, Virginia, June and Janice (Brian).Jim was a friendly person who loved to walk and many will remember meeting him on the river walkway and being greeted with a smile and a quick chat. He had a beautiful singing voice and his Irish Tenor would elicit tears when he sang Danny Boy or other Irish favourites. He sang with many choirs over the years including St. James Anglican Church, Holy Name of Mary Parish, the Friendship Centre choir and many solo “gigs” with his friend Ron Coulthard accompanying him on the piano. Dedicated employee of St. Marys Cement Company and the Great Star Flour Mill. Jim loved reading the newspaper and keeping up with world events. He enjoyed a good debate and usually rooted for the underdog. He was a good swimmer and would swim the length of the quarry with a long leisurely front crawl. Soccer was another passion and he was both a coach and a player, goalkeeper for a St. Marys team until the age of 50. He was a good dancer and liked to hike and cross country ski. Travel was always important and he returned to his beloved birthplace of Achill Sound, Co. Mayo , Eire many times over the years. Cottage time on the Lake of Bays was also a favourite vacation and he was known to swim in the lake on the chilliest of days. Trips to Florida and summers at the trailer with Pearl were eagerly anticipated.Heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at Kingsway who always treated Jim with respect, compassion and genuine fondness. Thanks also to Dr. Komoroski for her many years of support and medical assistance.Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to the ST. JAMES ANGLICAN CHURCH, 65 Church St. S. St. Marys, on Saturday, January 12, 2019, for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 11.m. with Rev. Jenny Sharp officiating. Reception to follow in the church hall. Memorial donations may be made to the Stratford Perth Rotary Hospice or The Alzheimer Society of Perth County.