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James E. “Jim/JE” Walsh, 91, of Dubuque, reached his eternal destination surrounded by his wife and children Sunday, February 18, 2018 at Grand Meadows. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday at 10:00 am at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church where visitation will be Thursday 3 to 7 pm with a wake service at 6:45 pm. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Dubuque Post 6.
James was born January 8, 1927 in Dubuque, son of Arthur and Rita (Ryan) Walsh. While attending Loras Academy Jim was active in the ROTC. After graduation from high school Jim enlisted in the US Army and served in the Philippine’s during WWII. He attended North Dakota State, Kansas State and Loras College.
Jim married his best friend and love of his life Geraldine Roethig on October 16, 1948 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church. Together they had nine children- Just enough for him to field his own baseball team which is always a bonus to a diehard Cub fan. Jim recognized the importance of family time. He loved caring for his dream home and could be found every Friday riding the John Deere as he and his children manicured the 5 acre lawn. Saturdays he was often armed with the chain saw as he groomed trees and shrubs. The Sunday ritual included piling all of the kids into a station wagon for a ride around the city and county. Even after the kids left home, Jim and Geri could be seen cruising in his red convertible. Jim always enjoyed hosting large get-togethers and barbeques at the house. Any time he had a family gathering he would start up a football, baseball or basketball game for the grandkids. After the games ended he would hook up the wagon to the tractor and give the youngest children rides around the yard. Jim raised his family on a firm well –balanced foundation of the importance of family, work, service, and sports. His final legacy will be the lessons he taught us about loving life, embracing change and confronting adversity.
Jim took great pride in his role at Bird Chevrolet Company beginning in 1947. He served as President of the company from 1968 to 2008 and Chairman of the Board from 2008 to 2015. Jim truly loved the business and had a true passion for the automobile business. He could usually be found meandering around the show room floor greeting potential customers and joking with the old familiar faces. He knew the value of his employees, chatting with them to find out about their lives and problems. Jim always had a quick wit and laughter often punctuated those conversations. Along with his time at Bird Chevrolet, Jim served on the board of the former First National Bank.
This desire to serve others was another key element in Jim’s life, which led him to become active in many aspects of his community. Among the many organizations he was a member of were The American Legion Dubuque Post 6, Knights of Columbus, and the Dubuque Lions Club. He also served as president for the latter. Jim was also actively involved with Project Concern in Dubuque, the Boys Club where he served as president, and Junior Achievement. He was a member of the Dubuque Golf and Country Club, Thunder Hills Country Club and the Dubuque New Car Dealers Association. Jim was the driving force, founder and past president of the Westside Business and Professional Mens’ Association. Recognizing the importance of his faith in his life, he became a Charter member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church.
Jim enjoyed a good round of golf with his friends or family. He also loved watching all sports as well as playing them. As an avid Hawkeye fan, he enjoyed using his season tickets to attend multiple sporting events. Family vacations were often planned around the Chicago Cubs baseball schedule.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Geraldine Walsh of Dubuque, nine children, Tim (Connie) Walsh, David (Judy) Walsh, Jane (Chuck) Northup, James A. Walsh, Mike (Christine/Tina) Walsh, and John (Renee Wedewer) Walsh, all of Dubuque, Kathy (Rick Venable) Brothers of Pleasant Valley, IA, Tom (Carman) Walsh of Iowa City, IA, and Mary (Mike) Hermansen of Shorewood, MN; 20 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; three siblings, Michael (Mary Alice) Walsh, Ellen Schlueter and Sr. Catherina Walsh BVM.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Mary Ann Pufahl and Kathy Walsh, two brother-in-law’s Werner Pufahl and Bob Schlueter.
The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials will be distributed to Jim’s favorite charities.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Runde and his staff for their compassionate care and attention. A special thank you for the staff at Grand Meadows and Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care of Jim and the support they gave to the family.