James Patrick Walsh

James P. Walsh, 84, of Peckville, died on Friday at Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, Scranton, under the care of Hospice of the Sacred Heart. His wife of 58 years is the former Mildred Austin.  Born in Dickson City, he was the son of the late Clyde and Catherine Newton Walsh, and was a graduate of St. Patrick’s High School, Olyphant, and the University of Scranton. He retired from Harper Collins Publishing, but spent most of his professional career as an insurance adjustor. Jim was an active member of Holy Cross Parish at St. Patrick’s Church, Olyphant, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years, and was also an acolyte at funerals. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Olyphant Council 1095 and a former member of the Olyphant Rotary. Jim served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.  Surviving are one daughter, Mary C. Nolan and husband, Randy, Olyphant; three sons, Anthony T. and wife, Barbara, Elkridge, Md.; Daniel J. and wife, Meghan, Eynon; and Richard A. and wife, Melanie, Blakely; eight grandchildren, Megan, Erik and Tyler Nolan and Abigail, Tessa, Emily, Mollie and Caitlin; many nieces and nephews.  He was also preceded in death by one sister, Mary Jane Conway. The family would like thank the staff of 3 North at the Gino Merli Veterans Center and Hospice of the Sacred Heart for the compassionate care and respect that they gave Jim. Mass will be held on Monday at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Parish at St. Patrick’s Church, Delaware Street, Olyphant. Monsignor Michael J. Delaney, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Blakely.  Friends may call on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Hudak-O’Shea Funeral Home, 115 Garfield Ave., Olyphant. Friends are asked to go directly to the church on Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to Gino J. Merli Veterans Center Activity Fund, 401 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA, 18503 or Holy Cross Parish, 200 Delaware St., Olyphant, PA 18447. For online condolences or directions, visit www.hudak-osheafuneralhome.com.