Obituary of James Joachim Walsh

WALSH, James Joachim. ‘Jim’ Lyons Brook June 2, 1935 – September 8, 2021. It is with deep sadness and much love that we mourn the passing of Jim Walsh of Lyons Brook on September 8, 2021, after a short but courageous battle with lung cancer, at the age of 86. Born in Buchans, Newfoundland, Jim grew up in Newfoundland, graduated high school at age 15 and moved to Toronto at age 17 where he met his loving wife Florence. Jim was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. He was one of those exceptional people who was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. He was a tremendous athlete whose love of hockey led him to play in the Maple Leafs farm system in Toronto in his late teens. He continued playing in various leagues throughout his life, finishing out his hockey career with the Pictou Old Puckers, where he played until the age of 84. He was known for his powerful skating, strength and toughness. It was said if you chased the puck into the corner with Jim, he would come out with the puck and you would come out with a bruise. A life-long learner, Jim was a wealth of knowledge and know-how. He was our original Google. Jim held a number of jobs in his career as an Instrumentation Technician starting with Colgate Palmolive in the 50’s. He worked in Toronto, Boston, Montreal, Fort McMurray and Nova Scotia, starting at Michelin and finally working at Amtek where he became a beloved member of the Amtek Family. If a piece of electronics needed repair, tuning or calibration, Jim was your man. Family was everything to Jim, he dedicated his life to his immediate and extended family. He would help anyone, anytime with anything. He was enormously proud of his children and grandchildren and supported all of their ambitions and accomplishments. Jim had a variety of hobbies and interests, including fishing, science, astronomy and tinkering with things, but had a special love of hockey and antique cars. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Pictou County Antique Car Club. He was particularly proud of his prized 1954 Mercury Sun Valley, which he rebuilt from a rusting hulk to a multiple award winning vehicle, often winning the most popular car trophy. Jim had a love of food, he was an equal opportunity eater with a special love of BBQ Ribs. Jim is survived by the love of his life, Florence; loving children, Jim Walsh (Cheryl), Susan Livingstone (Gordon), Maggie Harris (John) and adoring grandchildren, Katie, Taylor, Morgan, Alex, Logan, Meaghan, Ben and Sienna. He is also survived by brothers, Henry, Wales; Ronald, Rhode Island; sisters, Jean, Alberta; Trudy, Ontario; as well as godchildren, Cindy Martin and Capucine Plourde; in-laws, Jean Martin, Annie Goodwin, Dorothy Bohez, Jim Johnson, Lloyd Johnson and over 60 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Annie Walsh; brother, Len; sister, Mary; brothers-in-law, Stan Johnson, Bob Johnson; sisters-in-law, Bridget Gloade and Lena Johnson. Heartfelt thanks are extended to the staff at St. Martha's and Aberdeen Hospitals with special thanks to the staff of the VON and the Aberdeen Palliative Care Unit whose kindness and compassion helped Jim with his passage. A graveside service will be held at a later date. He was a good man and he will be rewarded. In lieu of visitations, the family requests that people share their favorite memories of Jim with one another as well as on www.mclarenfuneral.ca