Jimmy (James)D. Walsh

NISKAYUNA - Jimmy (James) D. Walsh of Niskayuna, co-founder of two local radio stations, died on Monday, September 13, at Ellis Hospital.
Born December 17, 1947, to the late James A. Walsh and Dorothy Sommer Walsh, Jim grew up on Euclid Avenue in the Bellevue section of Schenectady. As a child he was fascinated by radio and built a radio transmitter that broadcast music to his neighborhood.
Jim graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in Schenectady in 1965 and attended Northwestern College. During the Viet Nam era, he served in the Army National Guard, and thereafter started a semi-pro basketball team, the Tri-City Comets.
After spending time in radio broadcasting, in 1975 Jim and Glen Von Calio founded radio station WWWD (3WD) 1240 AM Schenectady, and Jim served as its general manager. In 1987, they established radio station WVKZ 96.7 FM Clifton Park. During his career, he was awarded some 20 gold records for excellence in music broadcasting.
Jimmy was also an avid collector of American Flyer Trains, and coauthored the first Greenburg Price Guide on the subject. He was a lifelong member of Bellevue Reformed Church in Schenectady.
Jim is survived by his wife, the former Mary Ellen Budge, whom he married January 23, 1971; and his three children, Jason of Saratoga Springs; Jeffrey of Boston (Northeastern University); and Jennifer of Saratoga Springs. He was predeceased earlier this year by his sister, Arlene J. Walsh.
Jim loved God, his family, his country, Fords, rock music, American Flyer Trains, the New York Yankees, the New York Giants, and pizza.
The family would like to thank Dr. Earl Zimmerman and Mrs. Beth Boivin at Albany Medical Center; Dr. Hendrick Arnold of Community Care Physicians; and the compassionate staff at Ellis Hospital 3A wing and 6A wing.
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2010, at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 18, at Bellevue Reformed Church, 2000 Broadway, Schenectady, followed by burial in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Colonie.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bellevue Reformed Church, 2000 Broadway, Schenectady, NY 12306 or Schenectady City Mission, P.O. Box 760, Schenectady, NY 12301.