What is your legacy? What is the mark you leave upon the world? For over 90 years, until he passed on November 16, 2019, James George Walsh (AKA “Big Jim”) left the world a better place for many people with his love, devotion, caring and good humor.
Born in Perth Amboy, NJ to a family of Slovak and Irish immigrants, he lost his father James Dennis Walsh when he was 10 months old. He was a loving son to his mother, Betty (Benyak) Walsh, and a faithful grandson, nephew and cousin to the extended family he lived with. He was a Boy Scout, student at Holy Trinity Grammar School (Perth Amboy), and voted “best looking” of the St. Mary’s High School Class of 1946 (Perth Amboy).
Always a Ford man, Jim started his love of cars with a 1949 Ford. He had many good times traveling with family and friends, such as George, Tony, and Stanley, who later became “uncles” to his kids. Jim joined the Navy in 1952, and spent his time among the blimps and hangars at Lakehurst, NJ, as well as travels to Cuba and other ports.
On May 16, 1954, Jim began his journey as a family man when he married Lillian “Lil” Stankovich. In 1957, they progressed from an upstairs apartment in Perth Amboy, to their own suburban split-level house in the “far-away land” of Hazlet, NJ, accompanied by daughter Diane and son Allen, ages 2 and 1. Seven years later, they were joined by daughter Nancy. Jim welcomed all neighborhood kids to the Walsh backyard, where there were many good times with basketball, swings, a pool, badminton, hand-built sandbox and Pudgy and Pepper the dogs. He labored with friends to build a screened-in patio which provided countless hours of outdoor eating, board games, watching TV and enjoying each other. Jim’s kids also loved to help him with chores such as putting up the screens every year, insulating the crawlspace, replacing the roof and installing a fence. He had a genuine delight in being with his kids that they have always treasured.
Jim had many friends at his places of employment. Layoffs ended his time at Anaconda Copper Works, Perth Amboy, NJ (1946-1975), S. P. Penick, Newark, NJ, and Jeffords Marine, Elizabeth, NJ, but he was able to serve as “the” Purchasing Dept. at PVC Container, Eatontown, NJ (1982-1995) until he retired. He was a mentor to many young employees. Some of them would be invited to Jim and Lil’s house with their families. Jim was always reaching out to others, and helping them in any way he could.
Jim and Lil left Hazlet in 1987 and moved to Toms River, NJ. More new friends for Jim, including the kids in the neighborhood, who had their names and heights written on the garage wall along with his own family members’. When Jim retired in 1995, he and Lil were able to do some of the traveling they always wanted to do, including a cruise on the Queen Elizabeth 2, trips to Slovakia and Central Europe, Ireland, Italy, and Disney World. The entire family had a trip together to Washington D.C. in 2009 for Jim’s 80th Birthday.
Jim loved the Jersey Shore. From his own childhood, with his kids and continuing on to his grandchildren, many good times were had at various beaches and the boardwalks in Seaside and Asbury Park. There are many fond memories of fishing off Sandy Hook, Long Beach Island and Seaside, where he finally caught the elusive 30-inch striped bass in 2000. Day-trip adventures were also enjoyed in Pennsylvania, New York City, the NY World’s Fair and Shea Stadium. Other favorite spots included Monmouth Park Racetrack, Charlie Brown’s Restaurant, and any location where his kids or grandchildren had a sporting event, spelling bee or needed his help.
In 1998, Jim and Lil moved to their home in The Fairways at Lake Ridge. They spent many good times with their neighbors, joined the bocce league and attended St. Luke’s Church in Toms River. Jim joined the softball league and continued to enjoy watching football games, NOT loving the Yankees, and taking care of his Mercury Sable (always a Ford man!).
Jim’s parents, James Dennis Walsh and Elizabeth “Betty” (Benyak) Walsh, were deceased in 1930 and 1991. Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Lillian (Stankovich) Walsh. His “pride and joy” – children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are:
Diane Walsh and husband Joseph “Joe” Polinsky. Diane’s son John Penning and wife Julie, and baby on the way, Joe’s sons Douglas and Jeffrey Polinsky and grandchildren Jacob, Emma, Lilly and Brandon. Allen Walsh and wife Mary, their son Stephen Walsh, their daughter Lauren Walsh, their daughter Katie Salnick and husband Michael, and new baby, Jim’s great-grandson Tyler. Nancy Jenks and husband Danny, their daughter Nicole Jenks and son Ryan Jenks.
Jim’s greatest gift to us, which he showed by the way he lived his life, was to put his family first. We can honor Jim and continue his legacy in our own families by remembering him and the other family members who came before him. For when we continue their traditions and share their stories with our children, we will help Jim leave his mark upon the world.
Viewing hours will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20th at the D'Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Avenue, Lakewood. N.J. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, November 21st at St. Luke's R.C. Church, Old Freehold Road,Toms River, N.J. Interment will follow at the Wm. C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Provinceline Road, Wrightstown, N.J.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.5