Scotch Plains, New Jersey
James Walsh, 37, epitome of warmth
When Kathleen Walsh Karlen adopted her son Connor from Korea -- a 2-year-old who found the transition from East to West sometimes unbearable -- it was his Uncle Jim who could calm Connor's emotional storms.
No one in the family was surprised. Jim Walsh was the fun uncle, the friend everyone wanted to hang with, the nice guy with the big heart who was never afraid to show it, said another sister, Carol Walsh Murphy.
"I'm sure everyone who was lost at the World Trade Center has somebody who says they are a great guy, but to call Jimmy great sells him short," Murphy said. "He was fun and funny, and at the same time, he taught us all how to be a little more loving."
James Walsh, 37, didn't make one last call to his family from the 104th floor of One World Trade Center, where he worked as a computer programmer for Cantor Fitzgerald, but his family said it didn't matter, "because he said 'I love you' every way possible, every day of the year."
He said it in the way he read books every night to his daughter, Caroline, who turned 2 the day the Twin Towers crashed to earth.
When news came that the Scotch Plains resident was missing, boys he knew in high school in Westfield and people who remembered him from King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., called to help.
Sean McDonough, from Montgomery, Pa., recalled him in an e-mail: ". . . His friends in Pennsylvania and around the country have been warmed by his presence and will miss him terribly . . . He loved being a dad and through his relationship with Caroline, he showed me a way to be a better parent with my kids.
"We are left with the void of the thousands of people like Jim Walsh who died last week," McDonough added. "but I will tell everyone who listens about my friend Jim and how much he meant to me and my life."
In addition to his daughter, Mr. Walsh is survived by his wife, Kate; his parents, Frank and Mary Lou of Spring Lake; two brothers, Thomas of Westfield and Peter of Spring Lake; and two sisters, Kathleen Walsh Karlen of Woodbridge, Va., and Carol Walsh Murphy of Tampa, Fla.
From a UK Walsh to the family of Jim Walsh, I´m sorry for your loss and hope you have some great memories of Jim and use these to help guide your way and enlighten your lives. My grandfather was also called Jim Walsh. His gravestone reads "He lived for those he loved, and those who loved remember". I hope you remember your Jim well xxx
Paul Walsh
September 24, 2024 | Other
Que Deus consforte o coração da familia
Bianca Rocha
September 07, 2020 | São José Dos Pinhais
In remembrance....
P Tabbernor
April 14, 2007 | Victoria, BC
I've been given Jim's name as part of a tribute to 9-11. It's hard not to cry when reading his story. In words he reminds me so much of my own family. My own uncles who are either living or also deceased. I hope my blog is a good and fitting tribute for this wondeful person. When my grandfather died I realized after the tears how lucky I was to know and be in my grandfather's life. I hope the same is true for all of you. God Bless.
Mikey Diablo
Michael Diablo
August 21, 2006 | Ephrata, PA
To Tom & His Family,
We keep you in our prayers today and always.
Jill & Rob Thomas
Neighbors
Rob Thomas
September 11, 2003 | Bridgewater, NJ
I was a classmate of Jim's at Westfield High School and I want to express my sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones. I'm sad to say I didn't know Jim too well back in school (although I absolutely remember him) but he was clearly an incredibly warm and loving family man and I am so saddened by his senseless loss in that horrible attack.
With my warmest heartfelt regards,
Dan Regenberg
December 01, 2002 | Takamatsu, Japan
Dear Farmily:
On the Anniverary of Setp. 11, my school held a memmorial service for all who had died. All week I had griped about having to wear my official dress(FFA) all day in the Texas heat. But on that day, the sacrifice of sweating seemed minimal. I am writing in this guest book to let you know that your Jimmy is an angel. At school they also handed out angels with a name on them. I found James Walsh laying on the ground, picked him up, dusted him off and placed him on the jacket....
Sarah
September 16, 2002 | San Antonio, TX
Jim is in my thoughts everyday, I cannot hear a Springsteen song or watch a Giants game without thinking about him.We will always remember you and the Westfield days.
DEAN DAMICO
September 11, 2002 | PHILADELPHIA, PA
As tomorrow the one year anniversary looms, I wanted to send my deepest sympathy and love to you and your family for having lost your husband and father. May you feel peace in knowing they cannot take away your love and memories. As a Scotch Plains resident, if there is ever anything you and your family needs, please just ask. We are all in this together. Much love and peace.
Elaine Coupe
September 10, 2002 | Scotch Plains, NJ