John James Walsh

1934 - 2018

John James Walsh

John James Walsh – Adoring husband and loving father, Native San Franciscan, retired General Manager of Personnel, Civil Service Commission of the City & Co. of San Francisco, passed into peace on Monday, December 10, 2018 at the age of 84.

Born February 14, 1934 to Thomas J. Walsh and Mary B. Walsh of County Galway Ireland, John and his older brother, Tom, grew up on Clayton and 17th Streets. John attended St. Agnes Elementary School where he made life-long friends. Graduating in 1947, John went on to Sacred Heart High School where he played both basketball and baseball. At Sacred Heart, a Presentation girl named Audrey Duhagon caught John's eye. After graduating in 1951 from SH, John went on to become a USF Don where he played baseball and joined the US Army ROTC program. John and Audrey met again at a USF-Lone Mountain mixer and a lifetime partnership began. John graduated in 1955 from USF and immediately reported to Fort Huachuca, Arizona as a 2nd Lieutenant.

While stationed at Fort Huachuca, John and Audrey welcomed their first child, Sean. In 1958, upon completing his service to the US Army, John, began a 34-year public service career with the City & Co. of San Francisco.

John's talent and dedication were rewarded when, in 1977, Mayor George Moscone appointed John General Manager of Personnel, Civil Service Commission. John continued in this role during the administrations of Mayors Dianne Feinstein, Art Agnos, and Frank Jordan. John retired in 1992, freeing up time for Audrey, his family and friends. In retirement, John proudly served on the San Francisco Civil Grand Jury. He also travelled, enjoyed summers at Lake Tahoe, played golf, zilch, liars dice, cards and countless tennis matches with his doubles partner Audrey. John also enjoyed annual St Patrick's Day and Christmas luncheons with friends, Father-Daughter Night at The Olympic Club, The Golden Gate Football league and his potluck get-togethers.

Nothing meant more to John than his Faith, Family, and Friends. The bonds that he formed at St. Agnes, Sacred Heart, USF and throughout his life and career remain strong to this day.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Audrey. John and Audrey have five children, Sean (Carrie), Graziella (William Coggan), Peter (Sheelagh Flanagan), Jennifer, and Michael (Ana Valle). He will always be "Papa" to Brendan and Adam Coggan, Ellen and Katherine Walsh, Grace, Kate and Aidan Walsh, and Mariella Walsh.

Friends may visit Monday December 17th from 4pm to 9pm at Duggan's Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave. in Daly City where a Vigil Service will begin at 7pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 2555 17th Ave. in San Francisco on Tuesday, December 18th at 11am. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Hanna Boys Center or Sacred Heart-Cathedral Prep. of San Francisco.