James David Walsh

SAN ANGELO James David Walsh, of San Angelo, passed away peacefully in the afternoon on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Doris Ruth Walsh (nee May), four children (James David Walsh Jr., Patricia Ann Lane, Richard Dennis Walsh, and Mary Elizabeth Philippus), grandchildren (including Sammi Smith and Michael Phillips, who reside in the San Angelo area) and great-grandchildren (including four in the San Angelo area). James was born in Albany, N.Y. and served in the New York National Guard and was mobilized for active duty during World War II. After an honorable discharge, James held several jobs in New York, Arkansas, and Texas and was transferred by the telephone company to San Angelo in 1954. James was an avid tennis player and sought out training as a tennis instructor to share his love of the game with his students. He suffered two recent setbacks in his health during the past three months and spent most of his time in Shannon Medical Center, Saint John's Skilled Nursing facility, and Park Plaza Nursing Home. However, he wanted to return home and had been back in his home less than 24 hours when he passed away. His wife, youngest daughter Mary, and Sammi Smith's fiance, Clinton Clark were present when he passed away shortly after receiving Last Rites administered by Father Maria from Holy Angels Catholic Church. An all-day viewing will be held at from Dec. 14, 2012, to Dec. 16, 2012, at Johnson's Funeral Home. A Requiem Mass is scheduled for James at 10 a.m. on Dec. 17, at Holy Angels. James will be buried in Calvary Catholic Cemetery following the funeral. Pallbearers for the service will be Clinton Clark, Mike Philippus, Michael Phillips, Kirkland Phillips, Charles Koch, and James Walsh Jr. Honorary Pallbearer will be James's longtime friend, Jesse Alley. Family and friends may sign an online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.