We regret to announce the passing of James Edmond Walsh on Saturday, May 14, 2016, in the Veterans Wing of Harbour View Hospital in Sydney Mines, at the age of 89.
Born in George’s River, Nov. 8, 1926, Jim was the son of the late Vincent Walsh and Caroline (Roach) Walsh.
He is survived by sons, Rob (Rose) Walsh, Victoria, B.C., Gerry Walsh, Victoria, B.C., Neil (Judy) Walsh, North Sydney; daughters, Karen (Jackie) Robinson, North Sydney, Rev. Lynn McKinnon, Alberton, P.E.I.; sisters, Caroline Campbell and Catherine (Kay) Logue, North Sydney; grandchildren, Vince, Ray, Esther, Rebecca, Bill (Crystal), Johnathan, Robbie, Mark and Shannon and great-grandchildren, Gracie, Gavin, Ella, Aidan and was father by choice of Marlene (Jim) Bona, Long Island and by several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife Jean (Amey) Walsh, his brothers, Matthew, Vincent, Robert and Joseph Walsh, his sister Rose Baldwin, son-in-law Joe McKinnon.
He attended St. Matthew Wesley United Church North Sydney and was a former member of the AOTS Men’s Club.
Jim was a veteran of the Second World War, serving in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany as a tank driver with the Sherbrooke Fusiliers. He was a member of Branch 19, Royal Canadian Legion and looked forward each year to visiting local schools prior to Remembrance Day to share his experiences with the students.
He started his mining career as a road maker in Princess colliery and retired as chief fire prevention supervisor for Devco. His innovations in underground firefighting have been accepted as international standards in the mining industry. He owned and operated Hillside Laundromat in North Sydney for several years.
Jim was a dedicated member of the North Sydney Volunteer Fire Department for over 35 years and was a long serving fire chief of the department. He can even be seen in the movie Shattered City the Halifax Explosion, with Kenny Morris, riding NSFD’s 1919 LaFrance fire truck.
He was the former EMO co-ordinator for the Town of North Sydney.
Jim was a tireless worker for the North Sydney Historical Society and was president of the society for many years. He was instrumental in the building of the North Sydney Heritage Museum, which has a room named in his honour.
He was awarded the Canada 125 medal for his service to his community.
An avid bowler, he and Jean were longtime members of the mixed bowling league in Sydney Mines and Branch 19 RCL’s senior’s league in North Sydney. They enjoyed their summers at “the trailer” in Groves Point and later Kempt Head.
The family would like to thank the staff of Harbour View’s Veterans Wing for the comfort and care they provided these last years and Dr. Peter Poulos for his care and dedication.
A visitation will be held 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday in W.J Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. A funeral service will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday at St. Matthew Wesley United Church, North Sydney with Rev. Nancy Ritchie officiating. Burial will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, North Sydney. A reception will follow at the North Sydney Firefighters Club.
Memorial donations may be made to the Harbourview Hospital Veterans Wing c/o Northside General Hospital Foundation.
Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com.

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