Reverend James J. Walsh, a beloved figure in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and St. Dominic Parish, passed away on January 29, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on December 11, 1941, in Cincinnati Ohio, Fr. Jim dedicated his life to serving the Church and his community with unwavering commitment and profound love.

Fr. Jim was ordained as a priest in Rome in 1968 for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. His early career saw him taking on multiple roles that would leave a lasting impact on both the Church and its parishioners. From 1974 to 1979, he served as Associate Pastor and high school teacher at Fenwick High School and McNicholas High School. During this time, he was also involved with the Office of Religious Education for the Archdiocese and played a crucial role in directing the Christ Renews His Parish program across 55 parishes, while establishing the Ministry to the Separated and Divorced in the Archdiocese. His leadership included two terms as President of the Presbyteral Council.

From 1979 to 1984, he took on the role of Director of the Department of Pastoral Services for the Archdiocese, which encompassed various ministries including Evangelization, Family Life, and Campus Ministry. His dedication to educating future leaders continued from 1984 to 1990, when he served as Rector at Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary and President of the Athenaeum of Ohio. Fr. Jim further expanded his influence as a staff member for the International Office of Renew in New Jersey from 1991 to 1993 and then as Executive Director for the Seminary Department of the National Catholic Educational Association from 1993 to 2000.

In 2000, he began his long tenure as Pastor of St. Dominic Parish, where he served until 2022 and was named Pastor Emeritus thereafter. Fr. Jim also held the position of Dean of the St. Lawrence Deanery from 2004 to 2014. One of his proudest accomplishments came in 2001 when he received the Pope John Paul II “I will give you shepherds” Award, recognizing his distinguished service to Catholic Seminaries across the United States.

Fr. Jim’s educational journey began at St. William Elementary School, culminating in a graduation from Elder High School in 1959. His academic pursuits included a B.A. and M.A. in Philosophy from the Athenaeum of Ohio/Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary, followed by an STB and STL in Theology from Gregorian University in Rome. He earned a Master’s Degree in Religious Education from Loyola University, Chicago, and was later honored with an Honorary Doctorate in Human Letters from the College of Mt. St. Joseph, where he had the privilege of serving as the Graduation Commencement Speaker in 2013.

Fr. Jim is survived by his sister, Joan Lynn Keiner, and his brother-in-law, James Keiner, both of Lakewood Ranch, Florida. He was a cherished uncle to his nephews: Jeffery Keiner and his wife Jonnie, and their children Sallie, Luke, and Jessie of Chicago, Illinois; Mark Keiner and his wife Catherine, and their sons James and Sebastian of Orlando, Florida; and Brian Keiner and his wife Lauren, and their daughters Riley, Colette, and Quinn of San Diego, California. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Frances Walsh.

Reception of the Body: Friday, February 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at St. Dominic Church, 4551 Delhi Pike, Cincinnati, Ohio 45238; (513.471.7741) Celebrant and Homilist: Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer. Visitation: will continue until 8:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Dominic Church. Celebrant: Reverend Christopher Lack. Homilist: Reverend Gerald R. Haemmerle.

Burial: Saturday, February 8, 2025, following the Mass of Christian Burial, at Saint Joseph New Cemetery, 4500 Foley Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45238. Celebrant: Reverend Christopher Lack.