CHARLESTON — James Walsh, former financial manager of the Diocese of Charleston, died July 31. He was 78.
A Mass of Christian burial was held Aug. 4 at St. Joseph Church, and he was interred at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Walsh was born on Sept. 10, 1930, in Buffalo, N.Y., the son of Martha Marie Welsh Walsh and James R. Walsh Sr. He graduated from Canisius High School in Buffalo; and was an honor graduate of The Citadel, class of 1957, with a bachelor of science degree.
He worked for Bell Telephone, Westvaco and the City of Charleston Visitor’s Center.
Walsh became the first lay comptroller for the Diocese of Charleston in 1970 and held that position for over 20 years. He set up the first formal record keeping system of the diocese and computerized the office. He served two terms on the national board for diocesan fiscal managers.
For his dedication to the church, Walsh was awarded the papal honor of Knight Commander of St. Gregory the Great, civil division, in 1991. The award is given to those who are distinguished by their personal character and reputation and by notable accomplishments.
Walsh was a U.S. Navy veteran, a member of the Knights of Columbus Rev. John J. Egan Council 10334 and an active member of St. Joseph Church.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Daisy Prince Walsh, his eight children and 16 grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to
American Heart Association
P.O. Box 5216
Glen Allen, VA 23058
or
Nativity School
1125 Pittsford Circle
Charleston, SC 29412.