James E. Walsh

April 15, 1951 - December 25, 2018

James E. Walsh, 67, of Leland, Illinois passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2018 at Kindred Hospital in Sycamore, IL, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer for 6 years. He was born April 15, 1951 in Peoria, IL the son of Paul Patrick and Viviene Erma (Poe) Walsh. He married Diana J. Miller on May 22, 1976 in Reno, NV. James proudly served for 21 years in the US Air Force. He was the crew chief on the C5 Aircraft and flew missions all over the world. For the last five years of his Air Force career he was a Commandant in the Quality Training Program for airmen stationed at Dover AFB. After retiring Jim worked in the maintenance department at Leland School for 20 years. Jim loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved to travel whenever he could. Disney World was one of his favorite places to go. Visiting casinos along the way during his travels was another of his great joys. Jim enjoyed reading, sitting of the porch watching the trains and the birds. He is survived by his wife Diana of Leland; one son, Travis W. Walsh of Phoenix, AZ; Two brothers, Joseph P. Walsh of Peoria, IL, and Robert T. Walsh of Newark, DE; Sisters-in-law, Carol (Ed) Hecathorn of Leland, IL, Jenny Walsh of FL, and Lori Miller of Green Bay, WI; Brothers-in-law, Cecil D. (Shawn) Miller of Ottawa, IL, Steven A. (Cheryl) Miller of Ottawa, IL, and John W. (Angie) Miller of Dixon, IL; nieces and nephews, Rachel Hecathorn, Jessica (Josh) Jewell, Justin Miller, Declan Miller, Lena Miller, Jade Miller, Isabella Miller, Brooklyn Miller, Buttons (Steve) Stramski, Jenn Walsh, Joey Walsh, and Mark Lehmann; great nieces and nephews, and many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Robert and Mabel Miller, his siblings, Ann Lehmann, Jack Walsh, Bill Walsh, two brothers-in-law, Jeff Miller and Dale Lehmann, one nephew, Kevin Lehmann. Funeral Services will be held at 6:00 p.m., Monday, December 31, 2018 at Turner-Eighner Funeral in Somonauk, IL, with Pastor Janet Hunt officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m., on Monday, December 31, 2018 until the service in the funeral home. For more information or to sign the online guest book go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com Turner-Eighner Funeral Home 13160 W. RT 34 ~ Box 404 Somonauk, IL 60552 (815) 498-2363