James Francis Walsh

WALSH, James “Jim”
His dry wit. His calm demeanor. His mastery of the grill (that amazing leg of lamb!). His perfect Bloody Mary. The world has less to smile about with the passing of James (Jim) F. Walsh on October 2, 2018, from Parkinson’s Disease. He was 73.
Born in Sydney, Australia, Jim grew up in the Gary, Indiana area. He graduated from Andrean High School, St. Joseph College, and DePaul University where he earned an MBA. He joined Hilti, Inc. in 1972 and built a successful sales career. He served as National Sales Manager in Japan before leaving the company in 1994. The following year, 1995, he and his wife Bobbie opened Rapid Sign Systems in Atlanta which they owned and operated until 2016.
Preceded in death by his parents, Theresa and Patrick Walsh, Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Bobbie; his two daughters, Kelly Walsh of Atlanta and Stacey Walsh of Charleston, SC; his two brothers, Patrick Walsh of Palm Springs, CA and Danny Walsh of Hobart, IN; his two “best girls” Lauren and Tristan; as well as several nieces, nephews, and Australian cousins. A heartfelt “thank you” to the staff of Pruitt Healthcare Brookhaven for the love and care they gave Jim.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018, at 3:00 P.M, in the Chapel of A. S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home, 2773 North Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033. A reception and celebration will follow at the Walsh residence.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation, in Jim’s name, to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Go to www.parkinson.org and click on “Make A Tribute Gift.”