James J. Walsh

James J. "Jim" Walsh, 83, passed away on February 11, 2016, surrounded by his family. Jim was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He was always intrigued by the southwest and moved to Albuquerque, where he met his wife of 65 years, Marcelina Romero. Shortly after marriage, he enlisted in the Army, served honorably during the Korean War, and was awarded three Purple Heart medals. After returning from the war, he worked in the Anaconda mines in Paguate. He started Insurance Management Corporation and later owned and operated Amizette Inn in Taos Ski Valley. Jim was also made an honorary member of Laguna Pueblo in recognition of his service to the Village of Paguate.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents John and Bessie Walsh; John and Margaret Howe, his aunt and uncle who raised him; sons, Bernard and John and his brother, Edward.
Jim is survived by his wife, Marcelina, and children, Patricia Sanchez, Michael, Margaret, Audrey (Martin) Gallegos, Patrick, Linda, and god-daughter, Claudia (Lawrence) Encino. He is also survived by his sister, Catherine Labedz, sister-in-law, Margaret Lockwood, 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
A Rosary will be held on Monday, February 15, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1502 Sara Rd. SE, in Rio Rancho. Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Paguate, NM with burial to follow. The procession will depart from FRENCH - Westside at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
FRENCH - Westside
9300 Golf Course Rd NW
505-897-0300