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James Walach Obituary
Born with Down syndrome, Jim spent most of his youth at the Ladd School in Exeter. A Johnston resident since 1980, Jim lived in a group home managed and staffed by The Fogarty Center. In keeping with the legacy of Rhode Island's, US Representative John E. Fogarty - who strongly advocated for the neediest among us, Jim's group home provided him a caring, nurturing, uplifting, rewarding, loving, and genuinely dignified life for better than thirty-six years.
Jim was also a daily participant at the Picillo Center, which offered him additional kindness, validation and respect. Nonverbal his entire life, Jim enjoyed taking long walks and being a passenger on drives to nowhere in particular.
Jim was quite capable of experiencing joy and receiving and giving love. He had a smile that could light up a room. Over the course of 37 years, Jim attracted the love and attention of numerous, devoted Fogarty Center staff, who deserve far more individual recognition and gratitude than we could possibly convey in a brief summary of his life.
Stoic in the face of difficulty and never one to complain, Jim honorably played the cards he was dealt at birth. His fortitude and resilience were nothing short of heroic. We can all learn a great deal from Jim, who lived life honestly, assertively, humbly and nobly.
Jim was predeceased by his father Matthew E. Walach. He is survived by his mother Catherine L. Walach, his sisters Patricia Walach Keough, Kathleen Walach, Ellen Pereira, brother Stephen Walach, several in-laws, numerous nephews and a niece.
Funeral services for Jim will be private. Anyone wishing to honor Jim's memory may make a donation in his name to the Fogarty Center, 220 Woonasquatucket Ave North Providence, RI 02911.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Walach
Sponsored by Manning Heffern O'Neill Funeral Home.
October 19, 2017
With love to Jimmy's family,
Eleanor McElroy
Faye
October 10, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Family. May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of the time you spent together with Jim as you reflect on a life well lived. Psalm 90:10
WALT ZAMOIDA
October 8, 2017
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS. IT ALWAYS HURTS WHEN WE LOSE A LOVED ONE. GOD BLESS.
Paul Jutras
October 7, 2017
Steve sorry to hear of your brother's passing. He was obviously a gentle, loving soul who inspired those who he came in contact with. Rest in peace Jim.
Paul Jutras
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Jim Dempsey
October 6, 2017
Steve, so sorry to hear of your brother Jim's passing, we were just talking about him at coffee a couple of weeks ago. I know you were a big part of his life, my condolences to you and your family.
The Staff of Manning-Heffern Funeral Home
October 6, 2017
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
October 6, 2017
Rest in Peace, Jim. You are now in the arms of the Lord.
Sean Reidy
Cranston
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