James R. Walsh

Lenoir, NC – Mr. James Riley Walsh, age 83, of Lenoir, passed away on Monday, December 5, 2011 at the Select Specialties Hospital in Winston Salem. Born May 14, 1928 in Carter County, Tennessee, James was a son of the late, Rodney Van Buren and Alice Green Walsh. James attended the Elk Mills Elementary School in Elk Mills, Tennessee and went on to graduate from the Watauga Academy in Butler, Tennessee in 1946. In 1950, he received a B.A. degree from Tusculum College in Greenville, Tennessee. James was an Army veteran who served during the Korean War.   He was a store manager with the Montgomery Ward department store until he retired after 25 years of service. He went back to work as a store manager with Wal Mart and finally retired in 1992. James in retirement served on the Alumni Board with the Watauga Academy.    James worked as a tour guide with the Butler Museum and also served on their board.   He was Baptist by faith and had volunteered with numerous organizations over the years. In life, he greatly enjoyed gardening and was a lover of nature and the outdoors, as well as lending kindness and care to his many pets. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Earl Dayton Walsh; and two sisters, Gladys Evans and Eula Mae Main. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gerry I. Walsh of the home; a daughter, Tereasa Bouyea of Graham, NC; a son and daughter in law, Jeffrey L. and Robin Walsh of Andover, Massachusetts; one sister, Anna Ruth Campbell of Butler, TN; three brothers, Rodney Walsh, Jr. of Riverside, California, Bill Walsh and Joe Walsh both from Elk Mills, Tennessee; his three grandchildren, Elizabeth Bouyea of Tallahassee, Florida, and Lucas Riley Walsh and Erin Marie Walsh both of Andover, Massachusetts; James is also survived by numerous other friends and relatives. A graveside celebration of James’ life will be held on Friday, December 9, 2011 at the Elk Mills Baptist Church at 11:00 AM. Officiating will be Reverend Ray Green. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 8, 2011 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Evans Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care at 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, NC 28645. Online condolences may be sent to the Walsh Family at www.evansfuneralservice.com Evans Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the Walsh Family. PDF Printable Version