James A. Walsh

James A. Walsh, aged 95, died peacefully in his home on Tuesday, March 27, 2018. He was surrounded by family and caregivers. Jim was born in New York in 1923. Universities that he attended include Fordham, Penn State and Northwestern. He bravely served in the US Navy during WWII in the Pacific theater as Captain of a minesweeper and was an Engineering Officer of a destroyer during the Korean theater. Jim met his wife, Florence, in Chicago while attending midshipman school during WWII. They were married on September 14, 1945 and shared 58 wonderful years together until her passing. In 1946 they moved to Seattle, then to Mercer Island in 1955 where they raised their family and enjoyed their community. Jim began his 39 year retail career at The Bon Marche Department Store chain in 1948 as an Internal Auditor, moving on to Controller and Operating Manager of the Everett store. After serving his country in the Korean theater, he returned to the Bon Marche as an Assistant Controller in the Downtown Seattle store. Jim served as President of The Bon Marche from 1963-1984 and President of Allied Stores Corp, parent company of the The Bon Marche, from 1984 until his retirement in 1987. He also served on the Board of Directors for Rainier Bank, Bank of America and was generously involved in many philanthropic endeavors. Jim and Flo were founding parishioners of St. Monica's Catholic Church on Mercer Island. He was also one of the original owners of the Seattle Mariners from 1977-1980. Jim was a loving husband, devoted father, uncle and grandfather, devout Catholic and avid boater. One of his greatest joys was cruising on his boat with family and friends and he took advantage of every opportunity to explore the beautiful waterways of the Pacific Northwest. In 2006, Jim moved from Mercer Island to a retirement community in Mill Creek. There he met his second wife, Eileen Servey. Their wedding was the highlight of the community, even landing an article in the local paper. They had 3 years together before Eileen's passing. Jim is survived by his daughter, Barbara Martin, son Robert Walsh, daughter-in-law Kyle Walsh, son Paul Walsh and grandchildren Thomas and Elizabeth Martin, Michael and Daniel Walsh. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Florence, second wife Eileen, son William Walsh and grandson Andrew Walsh. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones and those whose lives he touched. Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Bothell on April 21, 2018 at 11:00 AM. There will be a rosary held at Beck's Tribute Center in Edmonds on April 20, 2018 at 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.