Birth date: Oct 31, 1948 Death date: May 16, 2020
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, May 19th at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home, 3350 Mall Hill Dr., Lakeland. Military Honors will follow the service. Visitation will proceed the funeral services from 10:00-11:00 am Read Obituary
I remember how fondly our family thought of Jim, who was my brother-in-law Marty's brother. On many of his flights overseas, he returned with a unique piece of jewelry or a special ring for Colette, my sister and his sister-in-law.
Since we were both CBC High School graduates, I salute Jim and will keep him, his brother Marty and his parents in my daily prayers.
Raymond Barclay
Jim and I met in 1973 while flying the C-141 based in Charleston AFB, SC. Without a doubt he was the best pilot in the squadron. In fact, he was a “natural born pilot.” Inspiring, energetic, and a true leader, that was Jim. He was respected and liked by ALL. Later, we both left the USAF to pursue an airline career. I rarely saw Jim after that until 2012, when I reconnected with him on the internet. I learned he had a winter home in Florida and I traveled there and was fortunate to meet Sue, his wife, before she passed away.
Jim and I found out that we shared some common interests other than flying. I grew up in Miami and learned that his dad used to take the family there for winter vacations when Jim was a young boy. Later, after Jim was hired by Delta Airlines, he was based in Miami for a number of years. He and I had fun reminiscing about the old days in Miami.
Next, I learned that he and I actually had owned a lot of the same year Corvettes. So, we had the classic car connection and talked mostly about cars, instead of flying when we got together.
He was a great example for all of us, and I will miss his presence.
Rich Wells
What a wonderful uncle. Jimmy lived an exciting life and was eager to share his adventures with everyone. He has been someone for me to emulate since I was child.
Jim sparked many interests in my life. From a fast ride in a GTO as a child (don't tell mom how fast we went), to my first ride on a motorcycle on Cameo Lane in Bridgeton. The Corvette bug bit after seeing the enjoyment he had with his '72, '79, '60, and '04.
I remember him visiting at the new Greater Cincinnati Airport with the C-141 during an open house in the mid 1970's. And upon departure they blew down a tent that had been set up behind the aircraft. Note to airport administrators: Captain Walsh told them with no hesitation that the tent would not withstand the jet wash of his aircraft departure!
The photo I posted was a Corvette Club event for the reveal of the new generation Corvette at ELCO Chevrolet this past fall. Jim always astounded me with his technical knowledge of all the generations of cars. Must be that Washington University degree.
I'm happy that you're with Sue, my dad, and your parents now. It was a great life and I'm sure you're driving something fast in heaven. And don't worry, mom won't mind.
I am sorry for your loss of JIm, what a great guy all around. We ALL were proud to have known Jim in the 76th squadron, Charleston AFB. I came in Summer 1974, Jim was already a flight instructor. I had my first trip with Jim in Dec 1974 to South America where we broke down in Montevideo, Uruguay for a week over Christmas waiting for parts to arrive. Jim got us an dinner invite to the Consulate's chief's beach home, including half day swim. He showed us new guys around the town, where all the crew had $1 happy hour drinks and $3 formal steak dinners almost every night. We all departed our separate ways in later life, but everyone remembers Jim as one of the friendliest , competent pilots in our squadron. GOD SPEED , JIM on your flight WEST.
2Lt. John Garry
I am so very sorry for your loss. It cannot be easy at this time for you. I was one of Jim's cousins on the Walsh side. My mother Regina and his Grandfather were siblings. I was one of the youngest in our family so I did not know him as well as my older brothers did.
But I do remember Jim as having an amazing smile.
God Bless.
Kate Gould Hensel - Grand Rapids, MI
Jim, you will live always in my memory...from the little boy I scandalized with the statues at the Art Museum...to your guitar performance with your own band playing the Beatles; "I wanna hold your hand" at my 5th wedding anniversary party...to your extraordinary accomplishments at CBC high school graduating with the rank of Cadet Colonel...to your R.O.T.C. years at Washington University amidst the anti-war protests... to all the auto engines you took apart and put back together ("Don't tell Mom," you said)...to your C-141 flights evacuating Saigon...to your international experiences flying for Delta especially into Moscow and then into Kenya and Mt. Killimanjaro...to the extensive O-gauge train layout you designed and operated in your basement...to the many classic cars you owned and drove...to the time you spent with your brother Marty during his final years...to your undying love for your wife Sue. Thanks for these memories! My prayers go with you, Jim. May you rest in peace. Say "hello" to Marty for me. Love, your sister-in-law Colette.
