BLANDFORD: James J. Walsh, 94, died Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on March 15, 1921 to the late James and Rose (Saunderson) Walsh.
He was educated in N.Y City and was a U.S. Army Veteran of WW-2. He entered in the U.S. Army in 1942 and served in 5 campaigns in the South Pacific on navigator and convoy commander small craft commissioned in 1946. He was president of Abbott Air Freight and Air Freight Handlers Inc. James was a 25 year Deputy Sheriff and commanding officer of the Law Enforcement Division, Hampden County. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Catharine (Symington) Walsh, his sons James J. Walsh of Crystal River, FL, John R. Walsh of Blandford, his grandchildren Jennifer Panniello and her husband Jay of Montgomery, Mary Ciavola and her husband Bryan of East Otis, James J. Walsh and his wife Morgan of Westfield, Joseph T. Walsh and his fiancé Amy of Russell. He also leaves his grandchildren Riley, Jordan, Ayden and Lexi, his brother and sister-in-law Clifford and Barbara Symington of Manchester, CT. James was pre-deceased by his daughter Jeanne P. Walsh. The funeral service will be held on Friday July 3rd at 11 am from the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. Burial will be private. A calling hour will precede the service on Friday from 10-11am. Donations may be made to American Legion Post 356, Main Street, Blandford, MA 01008.
