PONTIAC, Ill. — Mr. James J. "Jim" Walsh, 84, of Pontiac, Ill., and formerly of the Verona-Kinsman area, passed away at 4:04 a.m. Monday, Dec. 24, 2012, at St. James-John W. Albrecht Hospital in Pontiac with his loving family by his side.

Born Feb. 29, 1928,, in Morris, James was the son of the late Robert H. Walsh and Evangeline Heppner Walsh. Jim was a proud descendant of Irish immigrants that came to America for a better life.

Growing up in the Verona area, he received his education in the Verona and Mazon schools, graduating as valedictorian of Mazon High School's Class of 1946.