James Frances Walsh Jr.

James F. Walsh, Jr. passed away following a long illness on August 26, 2018. Jim was born on July 26, 1931 to James F. Walsh and Mary Vaughn and grew up in Nashville, TN where he went to Catholic elementary and high schools and graduated from Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt Law School. Jim then attended the Jesuit-run institute of Lay Theology where he earned a master’s degree in Applied Theology. In 1962, Jim married Susan Joan Philbin who passed away in June, 2014. Jim is survived by his three daughters, Joan Marie (Mike Read) of Largo Florida, Colleen Marie (Cody Shelburne) of Atlanta, GA, Kathleen Marie (Jorge Catasus) of Atlanta, GA; one son, James F. Walsh, III (Megan) of Nashville, TN; four grandchildren Jayson Read, Cate Shelburne, William Walsh and Samuel Walsh; nephews Mike Walsh and Jeff Walsh. Preceding him in death was his brother Charles Walsh and his spouse, Sandy Walsh.

Following their marriage, Jim and Sue moved to San Francisco and San Diego, CA for several years. They later lived in Memphis, TN before returning to Nashville, TN in 1970, where Jim served as Director of the office of the Laity for the Catholic diocese of Nashville, TN with the assignment of setting up Parish Councils throughout the diocese. After completing the assignment, Jim was appointed as Assistant District Attorney for Nashville, Davidson County and served in this capacity for the next 20 years. Sue and Jim loved to travel, and in 2000, they were appointment Directors of Travel Ministry or Regional Directors for Tennessee by Educational Opportunity Tours of Lakeland, FL. As Directors they traveled extensively, leading tours to Europe, and the Near East and visiting Rome and the Holy Land several times. Jim Walsh founded the organization We Believe, along with Dr. Richard Shriver, a United Methodist Minister, to explain the basic teachings of the Catholic Church from an ecumenical point of view.

Arrangements are being handled by Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home. Members of the Catholic Media Productions will serve as honorary Pallbearers. The family will be receiving visitors on Wednesday, August 29th, from 4-6pm at St. Matthew Catholic Church and a Requiem Mass will be held at St. Matthew church on Thursday, June 30th, at 11am. Internment will take place at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Jim’s memory be sent to Catholic Media Productions, PO Box 50654, Nashville, TN 37205, or St. Matthew Catholic Church.