James R. Walsh

James "Jim" Robert Walsh, 83, of Durand, Illinois, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, in Durand, IL. A devoted husband, proud father, and natural storyteller, Jim was known for his quick wit, life of service, generous spirit, and the easy smile he brought to every room he entered. If he was talking to you, chances are you were laughing.

Jim was born on March 10, 1942, in Rockford, Illinois, the third of four children born to John and Helen Walsh, residing in Durand. As a child, he was always curious, taking things apart and teaching himself how to fix them. He applied these inclinations to a variety of jobs and became more well-rounded and skilled. He developed a strong work ethic at an early age that he carried throughout his life. He was deeply devoted to his family and to providing for them. Jim graduated from Durand High School in 1960, where he excelled in basketball and football. From 1960 to 1967, he served in the National Guard Infantry.

Jim met the love of his life, Cheryl Genovese, while working at Western Electric in Rockford, IL. Cheryl was a telephone operator for Illinois Bell in the same building. They were married on November 25, 1967, at St. Mary's Church in Durand after knowing each other for only seven months. This began a marriage marked by deep Catholic faith, loyalty, and devotion. Jim and Cheryl recently celebrated 58 years of marriage. Jim was fully committed to his role as a husband to Cheryl and father to his daughters, Michelle and Laurie. He supported their endeavors, was fully present in all three of their lives, and was very proud of them.

Professionally, Jim worked his way up in the telephone company, spending 30 years as an engineer and then an engineer manager before retiring from Illinois Bell (AT&T) in Chicago in 1990. Jim had a lot of love for Durand, the town he grew up in. After retirement, Jim and Cheryl moved to Lake Summerset. Jim volunteered for eight years as the Building and Grounds Director for St. Mary's Church, overseeing many key projects. He and Cheryl also volunteered at Medina Manor Nursing home for 11 years, spending a great deal of time visiting with residents.

Jim then started his own HVAC company, Airpros, where he completed both residential and commercial jobs, including many at Medina. Jim was respected for taking on difficult jobs and doing them right. Customers trusted him for his attention to detail, fair quotes, and quality workmanship. Jim always did his best, no matter the task. Jim had a love of helping people. Even if it wasn't HVAC related, people would call him to help them out, and he was always quick to offer advice or lend a hand any way he could. Jim thrived in social environments, and he had a special way of saying thank you. On more than one occasion, he hosted dinners for family and close friends at Amish Country Lane in Brodhead and became well-known for gifting Amish-made pies to friends, caregivers, and anyone he felt might need some cheering up.

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Cheryl, daughters Michelle (Phillip) Kurasz, Laurie Walsh, his older brother Jack (Lisa) Walsh, and sisters Jane (Steve) Dickerson and JoEllen (Marlan) Sharer, all of whom spoke with him frequently, many special nieces and nephews, two godchildren, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister-in-law, Nancy Walsh.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Mardini, Dr. Blomberg, the doctors and nurses at Swedish American (UW) Hospital in Rockford, and all those who cared for Jim with compassion and skill.

Jim's life was filled with laughter, hard work, and quiet generosity. He told a lot of jokes, paid attention to the details that mattered, and made people feel good simply by being himself. He will be deeply missed-and fondly remembered-by all who knew him.

Cremation rights have been accorded. Visitation will take place from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Durand, IL 61024. A memorial mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. with a luncheon and Celebration of Life to follow. Internment will be in St. Mary's Columbarium at a later time. Memorials will go to St. Mary's Cemetery in honor of Jim.