James Walsh

James Walsh, 89, of Sun City, Ariz., died peacefully at Banner Grandview Hospice on Aug. 6, 2014. Jim was born in Yorkshire, England, the third child of five born to Daniel and Mary Walsh. He served in the British Army in World War II. Shortly after the war, he emigrated first to Canada, and then to California, where he met his wife-to-be, Sarah. Though he left school at the age of 14 to go to work, throughout his life he continued to study and learn. He had a facility for languages, and was self-taught in French, Spanish, German and Italian. Jim earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from California State Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo in 1960, and a master's degree in mining engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1962. In 1963 Jim began his career with Barber Greene Company of Aurora, Illinois, as an international salesman in the Telsmith division in Milwaukee, Wis.; he served as vice president of Barber Greene Canada Ltd. in Milton, Ontario; and, at the time of his retirement in 1987, he was president of Barber Greene Overseas in Aurora. During his career he became a U.S. citizen and traveled extensively in South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Upon his retirement, Jim and Sarah relocated to Washington and later settled in Sun City. Together, they enjoyed traveling to visit their children in the Midwest and New England as well as Jim's family in England and to explore other areas of the country and overseas. Jim played sports throughout his life. He played football (soccer) in England as a youth, and was considered a very good cricket player. After moving to Sun City, and into his early eighties, he began nearly every weekday on the tennis courts. A devoted husband and father, his greatest joy was his family. Jim’s friends enjoyed his quick wit and ready smile. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sarah, and three children, Charles (Kristin), Jennifer and Andrew (Anna) and four grandchildren, Isaac, Poppy, Ezra and Evonne; his brothers Brian (Violet) and Michael; sister-in-law Elizabeth and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Elizabeth; brother, Daniel; and sister, Joan. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014 at the Community of Christ Church, 5035 W. Paradise Ln., Glendale, AZ 85306. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested for the Community of Christ Church or American Cancer Society.