Cover for James David Walsh's Obituary

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

James David

James David Walsh Profile Photo

Walsh

March 2, 1937 — October 4, 2026

Funeral Services

Visitation

October
9

Friday

12:00 - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

Celebration of Life

October
9

Friday

Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

Interment

October
9

Friday

St Andrew's - St James’ Cemetery

320 Coldwater Rd W, Orillia, ON L3V 6J8

3:15 - 4:15 pm (Eastern time)

Obituary

In Loving Memory of James David Walsh March 2, 1937 - October 4, 2026.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jim Walsh, who passed away peacefully on Sunday October 4, 2026, at the age of 89, while receiving compassionate care at Leacock Care Centre in Orillia, Ontario.

Jim was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, on March 2, 1937, and was raised in Victoria with his parents, John and Ruth, and younger siblings Ellen and Steve. Following his graduation from the University of British Columbia, he moved to Ontario, where he built a fulfilling career, married Arlene (Barlow) in 1966 and grew a lifetime of cherished family, friendships and memories.

An accomplished Professional Electrical Engineer, Jim dedicated more than 30 years of engineering service to Bell Canada and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). He was respected for his knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to his work. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, sharp intellect and sense of humour. He lived life with integrity and dedication to his family and profession and the many interests that brought him joy.

Music was Jim's lifelong passion. A talented clarinet and saxophone player, he found great joy performing with many community bands throughout the years. His interests in music and woodworking combined in his hobby building and repairing string instruments. Additionally, he took great pleasure in providing bottles of his homemade wine to family dinners. As an avid amateur radio operator and active member of the ham radio community, he enjoyed the challenges and rewards of making connections with people across the world. At home in Orillia, after his retirement in 1995, Jim was active in the St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church community and was a friendly face in his neighbourhood where he was always ready with a smile, a helping hand, or a chat when out walking his dog Lily.

Above all, Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He leaves behind his wife Arlene, his children, Dorene (Wil) and Warren (Aaren); treasured grandchildren Ryan (Megan), Kaitlyn (Aaron), Emma (Sam), Iain, and Lily. He is also lovingly remembered by his sister Ellen, and his brother, Steve, of Victoria, British Columbia, as well as many extended family members, friends, fellow musicians, and members of the amateur radio club.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the caring and compassionate staff at Leacock Care Centre for the kindness, dignity, and exceptional care they provided to dad in his final days.

Visitation will be held at the Mundell Funeral Home, on Friday October 9th, 12:00 - 1:00pm, a celebration of life will take place at 1:00pm, followed by a light lunch and interment at St Andrew's - St James’ Cemetery, Orillia at 3:15 PM. Anyone unable to attend in person please join via the live steam link https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=65843a28-3b1b-4c15-840a-96eefd67eeba In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour his memory may consider a donation to the local Alzheimer Society.


Guestbook

Visits: 29

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

This obituary is protected against unauthorized reproduction or redistribution without the funeral home's or family's consent.