
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
Christopher Keith
Stéphane Bédard, Officer Cadet in 1978.
My sympathies to family and friends of LCol. James R. Walden.
I did enjoyed my training at camp Borden in 1978 as much as possible under tough rules.
I remember rations being very good in forest environments.
Brenda Wyber (Bob’s wife)
What a shock when I came back to the Perley after a cold. Anita my thoughts are with you, and the family.
Think of you every day as I walk past the room to visit Bob. Keep strong❤️
Carole Harrison
My deepest condolences to you Anita and your family for your loss. Thinking of you.
Stephen & Lydia Rosd
Our sincere condolences to Brent & family at your loss.
Brooklyn, Madison, Melissa & Ryan Sloan
We are all thinking of you and sending our deepest condolences.
Lucette Mohammed
You will be missed Jim, I met you when you met Anita, a lifetime ago, lifetimes are too short. We had a great life with many laughs and we will meet again. Life really is too short!
Jeff Clayman
RIP, Jim. You were an honour to work with on the USC Board. Your boundless energy, strategic thinking, strong leadership, empathic demeanor, and rich humour were wonderful to experience. Thank you for your role in shaping me during my university years. To the family - may Jim's legacy and memory continue on through the deeds of you and your generations, and may his memory always be a blessing. Signed, with much love and respect, Jeff
Jeff Clayman
RIP, Jim. You were an honour to work with on the USC Board. Your boundless energy, strategic thinking, strong leadership, empathic demeanor, and rich humour were impressive to experience. Thank you for your role in shaping me during my university years. To the Walden family - may Jim's legacy and memory continue on through the deeds of you and your generations, and may his memory always be a blessing. Signed, with much love and respect, Jeff
Col (retd) Alex Ruff, MSC, CD, MP, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound
My deepest condolences on the passing of Jim. Pro Patria.
Alex
As the General Manager of the University Students’ Council at Western University, Jim was a wonderful source of inspirational leadership. He showed those of us lucky enough to work with him what it means to lead with integrity and passion for making our community better. I consider myself very fortunate to have had such a role model early in my adult life; the lessons I learned from Jim have been core to my own career. I'll always look back fondly on the year I worked with Jim - we accomplished a lot, and we laughed, a lot! Rest in peace Colonel.