
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
Kathy Litalien
Margaret Torrance
Sincere condolences to Anita and the Walden Family on the death of their beloved Jimmy, In his honor, a donation has been made to the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation . May he rest in peace and in the memories of all those who knew and loved him.
Conrad Mialkowski
Anita, Brent &Tracy, Sean & Joëlle, Riisa & Natalia and the wider Walden family, please accept our sincere condolences on Jim’s passing. You are a family that shows the love and care you have for one another - Jim was a key part of that, as was Mark. And we know that your love will always be there for one another. May the best memories of Jim help you know, and in the weeks and months to come. Unfortunately we will not be able to attend together in person on Saturday, but please know that we are with you in spirit. Wishing you peace, Conrad and Nancy
Iain MacLean
Heartfelt condolences to Anita and all the Walden family on Jim’s passing. As I think of Jim I recall his smile, sense of humor, ethics and good nature but most of all as a very dear friend. He touched so many people in his life and he shall be remembered.
John Heymans
Condolences to Anita and the family. Jim's passing is a great loss to all of us. May his memory be a blessing to us all.
Jeff Armour
Jim will be missed by so many and his impact at the USC supporting Western and student leadership was unmatched. As the current person in the role Jim developed and pioneered he set the organization up for success and the amazing results achieved year over year. We talk about Jim regularly and use a lot of his approaches and sayings around the water cooler.
Rest in Peace Jim and thank you for your service.
Jeff
Betty and Terry Hopkins
So sorry for your loss 🙏
Ron and Silvia Thomson
We enjoyed curling with Jim and Anita and have many fond memories of those most enjoyable times!
My deepest condolences to Anita, Brent, Sean, Riisa, and the entire family, as well as all those who cherished Jim. He was a remarkable father figure to me during my formative years, and his generous spirit left a lasting impact on my life. I am forever grateful for the wisdom and kindness he shared. May he rest in peace.