Freeport-James E. Walsh, 59, of Freeport, died Thursday, November 6, 2003 at Rockford Memorial Hospital of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Jim was a familiar face in the county as the Manager of the Stephenson County Farm Bureau where he had been employed since 1979. Jim was known as an innovator for developing techniques expanding new roles for agriculture in the area. In 1992 Jim was awarded certification as a Certified Association Executive from the American Society of Association Executives.
Jim was born March 3, 1944 in St. Louis, Missouri to Edward J. and Florence (Ulrich) Walsh. He and Eugenie C. Luh were married November 21, 1972 in Lincoln, Illinois.
Jim was an Army veteran and served in Thailand during the Vietnam Era. After the service, Jim attained a Bachelor's of Arts degree from Southeast Missouri University. Jim was a graduate of the HCC Leadership Institute.
Jim was active in numerous civic and governmental organizations over the years.
Jim is survived by his wife, Eugenie of Freeport, a sister Jackie Walsh of St. Louis Mo., his Aunt Elva Ulrich and her sons, Gerald (Mary) Taylor of Dixon, Tony (Amy) Ulrich and Donald (Janet) Ulrich of Metropolis, who shared their hearts and home with him during his high school years. Jim will be sadly missed by his nieces, nephews, sister in law, brothers in law, aunts and an uncle. His parents preceded him in death.
There will be a visitation at Walker Mortuary from 3- 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2003. Funeral Services will be held Monday 11 a.m. at Faith United Methodist Church with the Reverend Douglas Q. Bowden officiating. Burial will be at St. Catherine's Catholic Cemetery in Grand Chain, Illinois.
Memorials have been established for the Stephenson County Farm Bureau Foundation, American Diabetes Association and The Freeport Chapter of the Salvation Army.
Please view and sign the Family Guest Book at www.walkermortuary.com.