James Edward "Jim" Walsh Jr. was born on July 27, 1938 in Bridgeport, Connecticut to James and Theresa (Nemeth) Walsh.

After graduating high school, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy on August 13, 1957 and with the rank of Airman Apprentice he was Honorably Discharged on November 24, 1958.  He then moved to Harper and worked as a mechanic.

On March 10, 1963, Jim was united in marriage with Velda Joyce Hoover in Harper, Kansas and he became a father to three young daughters: Miki, Cheri, and Jo.  The family moved to Milford, Connecticut in October of 1963.  Jim worked as a certified Ford diesel mechanic.  A few years later, he went to work for Bunker-Ramo as an industrial photographer.  Jim later became an independent mechanic and then a general contractor in residential construction.

When they both retired in 1997, Jim and Velda moved back to Harper.  Jim's passion was photography and he was rarely seen without a camera in his hand.  He also loved woodworking, gardening, and cooking.

Jim passed away on December 24, 2018 in his home in Harper at 80 years of age.  He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Theresa; wife, Velda who passed away April 12, 2017; sisters, Theresa and Deborah; brother, Gary; infant grandson, Jonathan Smith; and son-in-law, Don Smith.  He will be missed by his daughters: Michele "Miki" Peirce of Augusta, Cheryl "Cheri" Boyer and husband, Ron of Augusta, and Nancy "Jo" Smith of North East, Pennsylvania; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; other relatives and friends.

Memorial Service is 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 31, 2018 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Harper with Pastor Wes Young officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Harper Public Library and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 613 W 14th ~ Harper, Kansas 67058 is in charge of the arrangements.