"James was such an important member of BFA for many years. He was also a good friend. Joyce & Bruce Johnson"
In loving memory of
James Walsh Sr.
December 12, 1941 - July 12, 2019
James David Walsh, the 3rd of four children by Vallie Laverne and Norman Walsh, passed away on July 12, 2019 at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sharon; his sons James, Russ, and Trenton; his daughter Tobi, his 14 grandchildren, and his 11 great-grandchildren. He was born on December 12, 1941, five days after the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor. This closeness may have led to his passion later in life for American history - a passion which also extended to the realm of family history and genealogy, to the benefit of many.
A love of many things was threaded through his long life, including in his years at Austin High School where he demonstrated his talent in sports, lettering in track and in later years playing fast-pitch softball. James even mixed this love of sport with the greatest love affair of his life. After marrying his sweetheart Sharon Krauss in Austin on July 14, 1961, James spent a portion of their first day honeymooning pitching and winning a game of softball. James took on various employments during the happy couple's 45 years living in Austin: He worked 35 years at Western Electric/AT&T, ran a piano repair and refurbishing business called "Walsh Player Pianos," and even ran his own consulting business before retiring to play golf and to pursue his other interests and hobbies in 1995. He loved hunting and deep-sea fishing, lovingly tended to his garden, and rebuilt everything that he could get his hands on in his endless fascination for improvement and growth - even remodeling a 1931 Model A Ford in his spare time.
Nevertheless, the family and friends of James D. Walsh will agree that of all his many passions, his greatest love was always reserved for family and community. We remember fondly when he moved to Katy, Texas to be closer to his then young but ever-loving grandchildren, his endless joy in the presence of his loved ones, and how this immense love was only ever matched in his life by his love of God. As a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he served as a Bishop of the Sunset Valley Ward for five years. He also served as a High Councilor and was a dedicated worker in the Houston temple for many years.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 19th at 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Harrell's Funeral Home for those who wish to attend. Funeral services will be held the following day on Saturday, July 20th at 10 am at the Oak Hills Stake Center at 5201 Convict Hill with a viewing at 9:00 am. A luncheon will be held at the same location following the graveside service at Live Oak Cemetery.
Tributes
"I remember when our families would get together and all the fun stuff we did. I miss that so much! He will be missed and may God comfort you at this time."
"Our condolences to the Walsh family. James was a long time loyal member of the Burleson Family Association. He will be missed. Clarence & Kay Burleson "