With sadness, the family of James (Jim) Raymond Walden, born 1939 in St. Thomas, Ontario, announce his sudden passing on May 9, 2025, at Perley Health Long-Term Care Facility in Ottawa, at the age of 85.
Jim is survived by his loving wife and friend Anita (née Ullrich); children Commander Brent Walden (Tracy Ross Walden), Sean Walden (Joëlle Walden), and Riisa Walden (Natalia Fonseca); and grandchildren Sophia Fonseca, Hunter Walden, and Reed Walden. Jim lost his eldest son Captain (Retired) Mark Walden to cancer in 2016.
A proud father and grandfather, gifted joke teller, and unfailingly supportive and loyal friend, community-member, and colleague, Jim’s life was defined by a love of service carried out over three distinguished careers, first as a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Royal Canadian Regiment. Jim’s distinguished 37-year military career as an infantry officer began after graduating in 1963 with a degree in Civil Engineering from the Royal Military College. Jim completed tours of duty in Cyprus (1970) and Vietnam (1973), was awarded the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal (1977), and finished his military career as the Base Administration Officer at Camp Borden.
In 1991, Jim retired from the Canadian Armed Forces and took up a leadership position as the first General Manager of the University Students’ Council (USC) at Western University. Dedicating a decade to this role, he delighted in being able to support student leaders in their efforts to advocate for students and enhance campus life. Jim’s immense contributions to this organization were honoured upon his retirement with a board room being named after him and the advent of the “Jim Walden Leadership Award.”
After retiring from the USC, Jim and Anita relocated fulltime to the family cottage that he built in the 1970s near Port Severn, Ontario. Drawn again toward service, Jim became involved in community life and, in 2006, made a successful run for Mayor of Georgian Bay Township. As Mayor, he made a profound impact on the local community, including the building of a new library in MacTier, development of a public park and boat launch in Port Severn, and creation of a community walking trail.
In his professional life, Jim was respected for his leadership abilities, strong ethical compass, humility, and unwavering commitment to hard work and giving back to others.
In his homelife, Jim was an equally supportive spouse, father, grandfather, and friend. He had many hobbies including music, pleasure boating, and model railroading, and was known for always having a building project on the go. A gifted engineer and hard worker, Jim built a life and home where friends and family were always welcomed with warmth and laughter.
A celebration of life will be held to honour Jim at Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa, on Saturday, May 31 – pre-service gathering at noon, with a service (1:00 p.m.) and reception (2:00-5:00 p.m.) to follow.
Supporting Jim through a lengthy neuro-degenerative disease, the family cannot thank enough the staff and caregivers at Perley Health for their dignified and compassionate care. As an expression of sympathy, donations in the memory of Jim may be made to Perley Health or a charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Jeannette (Jenny) Moreno
Sue Clement
A life well lived is a precious gift
of hope and strength and grace
from someone who has made our world
a brighter, better place.
It's filled with memories, sweet and sad.
with smiles and sometimes tears,
with friendships formed and good times shared
and laughter through the years.
A life well lived is a legacy
of joy and pride and pleasure,
a loving lasting memory,
our grateful hearts will treasure.
A beautifully written tribute to a wonderful gentleman and friend. He will Forever be remembered with Love and will never be forgotten. The world was a much better place with Jim in it.
I will always remember the wonderful conversations, boat rides, meals shared, his power naps when he'd disappear for five minutes and come back refreshed and ready to go and visits so he could steal a butter tart and gobble it up so Anuta wouldn't find out.
My life was Blessed to be able to call Jim my friend. Sleep in Eternal Peace, Jimmy.
Tara & Chopper Robinson
Our most sincere condolences. We never met Jim, but felt as though we had through tales and stories over the years. Please know we are holding you all dear in our thoughts at this difficult time. ❤️
Bob MacGregor
Sincerest condolences to the entire Walden family. May your many personal memories of this very accomplished man sustain each of you in the coming days. Thinking of you all.
Chris & Nancy Sainthill
Cottage memories include fun times shared with the Waldens even as far back as Jim taking Chris catfishing with coal oil lanterns. We are reaching out to the whole family with love and fond memories.
Liisa Honey
Jim was like an Uncle to me growing up. I have such fond memories of time at the cottage in Port Severn swimming and running around with Mark, Brent, Sean and Riisa like a pack of feral kids. I will always remember Jim’s warmth and acceptance. It was rare to see him without a big smile on his face. He will be missed and remembered fondly.
Dave Ernest
Rest in peace sir
Pro Patria
Russ Smye
I never remember Jim showing his anger, even though some of us thought it might be justified. Jim's challenge as a major in his first posting to 1 RCR was he just looked to dam young for his rank!
Zachary Colwell
I'm sorry for your loss and the passing of this wonderful man. Your family was very lucky to have someone like him in it.
Vicki Kellar
On behalf of the Kellar and Slade families our sincere condolences. Jimmy was a kind, compassionate, intelligent soul. Sundays are not the same without Jimmy and Ray sharing a coffee, sweets and strategizing over their next construction project. What an honour to have known Jimmy and the pleasure to have the Walden family as friends.
My deepest condolences to the family and all lives touched by the heart and strength of this great man.
Rest in peace