James “Jim” Keane Walsh, 79, of Kenosha, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 4, 2025.
Born March 22, 1946, in Chicago, IL; he was the youngest son of the late Maurice and Mary (Keane) Walsh. He attended Divine Word Seminary in East Troy, WI and graduated high school from St. Mel Catholic School, Chicago. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology-chemistry from DePaul University in 1969. And in 1992 he graduated from Dominican University with a master’s degree in library science.
On June 21, 1969, he married the love of his life, Martha R. Rankin in Zion, IL. Eventually settling in Wheeling, IL to raise a family. In August of 1995, they moved to Kenosha, WI following Jim’s dream of being a librarian. He worked at the Kenosha Public Library from 1995 to 1997. In the fall of 1997, he began his career at Carthage college, eventually retiring in 2012.
Jim was a member of St. Mark Catholic Parish and First United Methodist Church. He was a former member of the Kenosha Yacht Club and a longtime friend of Bill W. His favorite hobbies included sailing, golf, books, jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, card games, and most of all spending time with his friends and family.
He is survived by his wife, Martha R. Walsh of Kenosha, WI; his two children, Jonathan (Kristin) Walsh of Lombard, IL, and Jennette (Craig) Marckese of Kenosha, WI; three grandchildren, Emmett Marckese, Linaea Walsh, and Aidan Walsh; his sister, Margaret Walsh Oliveri; and many other special family and friends.
James is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings; Maurice Walsh, Katherine “Kay” Franz, and Delores Walsh.
A celebration of life will be held at First Methodist Church 919 60th Street, Kenosha WI on May 31, 2025, with a visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St Mark’s Catholic Church, First Methodist Church or Hospice Alliance would be appreciated by the family.
