John J. Walsh Jr.

John Joseph Walsh, Jr., 88, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family February 11, 2025, at home in Downers Grove. Born in Chicago’s Stony Island neighborhood, John attended Mt. Carmel High School and started at St. Procopius now Benedictine University, before a priest told him that he was wasting his father’s money. After his short adventure in higher education, John entered the U.S. Army and drove a canteen truck. John enjoyed a long career in automobile sales at various car lots before opening Walsh Fine Cars in Frankfort and wholesaling cars. The family lived in various southside parishes: St. Leo, St. Margaret, St. Walter, St. Julie’s (Tinley Park), then Holy Rosary (West Town, Chicago). John worked well into his 80’s, even after moving to Albuquerque for a few years in his early 70’s. John and his wife enjoyed taking ski trips to Colorado, New Mexico, Lake Tahoe, and Utah. The couple recently gifted each other skis for a recent wedding anniversary, which sadly went unused as John’s health started to fail. He watched all sports and was particularly fond of watching Chevy Chase/National Lampoon’s Vacation movies, with his kids and laughing like fools. John had a great sense of humor and an affinity for “dad” jokes, which he made up quickly and on the spot. John was even caught chuckling to himself just days before his passing. John never complained a day in his life; he taught his family as he did to work hard, have fun, and have gratitude – this legacy lives on in his family. Beloved husband of 66 years to Kathleen Marie Walsh (nee Ormsby). Son of the late John Joseph, Sr., Mae (nee Sullivan) Walsh. Devoted father of Patricia (Barry) Boughton and Nancy, Timothy, Susan (Rebecca Carl), Michael (partner Nancy), and Daniel Walsh. Loving grandfather of Tracey (Ryan) Harris, Neil Boughton, Greta Carl Walsh, Arden Walsh, Madeline “Maddie” (fiancé Kelly “KEL”) and John “Jack” Walsh. Dear brother of Therese (the late Bill) Serviss and the late Sr. Patricia Walsh. Private family services. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-370-2959 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

John J. Walsh Jr.

February 23, 1936 - February 11, 2025