Obituary
Guest Book
1935
2013
Age 78, passed away on Sunday May 5th, 2013 in Lansing MI from a massive stroke. He was born April 1, 1935 in Battle Creek, MI to Dr. Lawrence and Clara (Cartland) Walkinshaw. Graduate of Battle Creek High School June, 1953. Graduate of General Motors Institute with a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering June, 1957 and was sponsored by Oldsmobile Division of General Motors. Career spanned 33 years at Oldsmobile Division and retired in 1986 as Superintendent of Manufacturing Engineering at Delta Engine Plant. Retirement years included co-authoring with Helen Earley the Oldsmobile centennial book "Setting the Pace", "Oldsmobile War Years Pictorial", and "Oldsmobile the Last Chapter". Jim and Helen also co-founded the Oldsmobile History Center.
Jim and wife Janet married on Aug 17, 1957 and celebrated their 55th anniversary this past summer with family at a long time family retreat on Lake Michigan. Preceeded in death by parents Lawrence and Clara Walkinshaw, and son Steven Walkinshaw. Survived by spouse Janet, sister Wendy Schake of Port Aransas TX, sons Ron of Stillwater MN and Alan of Plymouth MI., grandsons David, Tommy, Jimmy, and granddaughter Kelsey.
Interests and hobbies include driving a 1905 Oldsmobile. Curved Dash was Jim's pride and joy late in life. Giving rides and explaining the Curved Dash history to his passengers was enjoyable to both. Jim volunteered his time freely at the RE Olds Transportation Museum; Amateur (Ham) radio operator W8JGB for 61 years with lifelong friends Bob Shaw and Jack Caldwell and continued with son Ron; Boy Scouts, since achieving rank of Eagle as a youth Jim became an active member of Lansing Troop 411 and 44 years of subsequent adult leadership; Jim's interest in Railroading including building from scratch a scale model steam engine and diesel engine with a scale model track on his family farm.
Jim's other volunteering activities included Delhi Township Planning Commission and Zoning Appeals Board and
Capital Area District Library
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to be made to the:
RE Olds Transportation Museum
240 Museum Drive
Lansing, MI 48933
reoldsmuseum.org has Paypal link under "support"
Boy Scouts of America Troop 33
C/O Chris Klaver
1217 W Ionia St
Lansing, MI 48915
517-290-0998
Private Burial will be at Markham Cemetery, Grovenburg Rd, Holt, MI on Wednesday May 8th. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
August 12, 2013
Dear Walkinshaw Family:
I had the honor of working with Jim to preserve the Leavenworth Photographic Collection. Jim honored Helen's trust by single-handedly securing and thus saving the most complete photographic record of the Oldsmobile Motor Company. Plus, Jim was one of the nicest people I've ever met. My oldest daughter and I had the privilege of riding with Jim on the Curved Dash. It's forever cemented in both of our memories.
Warmest Regards,
Mark E. Harvey
Archivist of Michigan
Archives of Michigan
June 9, 2013
Bill Sandy
Whatever measure you choose, Jim Walkinshaw was a great man. Worker, historian, mechanic, writer, businessman, hobbyist, scout, philanthropist, and friend - Jim filled all these roles with excellence. He will be missed; he can never be replaced.
Bill Sandy, Westtown, NY
June 9, 2013
God speed and God bless you Jim W.
Your deeds will never be forgotten.
R Miller
Pa.
May 15, 2013
Jim Russell
Walkinshaw family, I am proud to call Jim my friend. We often worked hand in hand with Helen Early at the R.E. Oldsmobile museum and other Oldsmobile events. He was also a fun guy to know and work with
Jim Russell
May 10, 2013
Mike Walters
Dear Janet
Jim has been a good friend and mentor, always so generous with his time and knowledge. What fun times we had working on and driving our Curved Dashes, creating many great memories. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. - Mike and Sue Walters
May 9, 2013
Ted Graham
Dear Janet - We were stunned to learn that Jim had passed away. We admired his knowledge, friendly smile, cheerful attitude and hard work and knew he was a real treasure to all of the REOTM volunteers. We felt privileged to know him and especially enjoyed traveling with you and Jim on the museum's London to Brighton Curved Dash Tour last year. Jim will be deeply missed and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family - Ted and Jacquie
May 9, 2013
Laura Pratt
Walkinshaw Family, My sincerest sympathy on your loss. Jim was knowledgeable and an interesting individual to work with while he was at Oldsmobile. After his retirement, his true passion for the History of Oldsmobile emanated from himself and his co-history partner Helen. We will miss seeing him at the annual Oldsmobile gathering tooling around in his Curve Dash. Laura Pratt
May 9, 2013
Dear Walkinshaw Farmily:
I have known Jim for many years, although not close. He has been a valuable member of our CDO Club helping with information and drawings to help others restore their cars. We share the same birth date, April 1 although he was 3 years older. We both are amature radio operators, have a passion for early Oldsmobiles and have been married for over 50 years. Although I have not been active in the Boy Scouts, my son Mark was a divisional leader for a couple of years in the St. Paul group.
Jim is my last contact with an Oldsmobile connection. Helen Earley was my first and both have contributed much to the hobby.
I hope Jim's personal collection of Oldsmobile material will be passed on to an interested member of the family or to the REO museum so it can be shared with others.
Gary Hoonsbeen
3455 Florida Ave No.
Minneapolis MN 55427
763-533-4280
May 9, 2013
Janet, we send our sympathy for Jim's passing. We came to know you through Scouts as our son Daniel spent good years in Jims troop. Jim was a fun and helpful guy, and we all liked and appreciated him. He gave much of himself for Daniel and all the other scouts over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bob and Marilyn Irvine
May 9, 2013
DEAR JANET AND FAMILY-JIM WILL TRULY BE MISSED BY ALL OF US-WE HAVE A LOT OF GREAT MEMORIES WITH THE BOTH OF YOU,FROM THE BROOKS AND DEMOREST FAMILIES.
May 8, 2013
Marshall Vanantwerp
Although I never MET Jim, I feel I knew him from reading his books. His loss will be felt by the Oldsmobile Community. Rest in Peace and sincerest condolences to his Family.
May 8, 2013
John & Regina Ridenour
Dear Wakinshaw Family
We are devestated to hear of the passing of "Dad" Walkinshaw truly a gentle and kind man who's words of wisdom and knowledge will be dearly missed are hearts go out to you .You are in our thoughts and prayers Love you all very much .
May 8, 2013
Lowell Schake
Memories of my departed brother-in-law span some 54-years. He and his extended family have shared many inspiring life experiences together with my family. Perhaps it was this July 31, 2007 picture that says it all. Jim driving his sister Wendy Walkinshaw Schake in 'his' Curved Dash Olds - all smiles - in front of the Walkinshaw home he built for his family.
Lowell M. Schake
Port Aransas Texas
May 8, 2013
Chuck Dye
Jim is one of those folks who will give you the shirt off his back, involved with both Jim and Janet via the Boy Scouts they both taught my son and I the value of nature and sometimes to just slow down and enjoy what you see.
My family and I give our heart felt condolences to the Walkenshaw family
May 8, 2013
My sincere condolences to the entire Walkinshaw family. While only meeting him once at a nephew's wedding, I felt I knew him well. He was my 'great' sister-in-law's brother....so I knew he was a good man.
Strength messages to All.
Virginia Gallian
1119 Ridgecrest Circle
Denton, TX 76205
May 8, 2013
Janet and family,
Our hearts go out to all of you. Jim was such a wonderful friend to have for so many years. We will always remember the wonderful fishing weekends up north, the annual amateur radio field day exercise at the farm and the many New Year's Eve card games. Please accept our deepest sympathies
Bob and Shirley
May 7, 2013
Dave Tucker
I first met Jim at an Oldsmobile Homecoming event in 2001. He enjoyed giving strangers rides in his Curved Dash and no one ever left him a stranger. He was a kind man, full of great pride in the work he did over a long career and was well loved by so many. He will be missed.
May 7, 2013
Bill Sandy
The only word that fits Jim is wonderful. It was great to be associated with such a kind, generous, friendly, brilliant man. He accomplished so much. He truly will be missed by friends around the globe.
Bill Sandy
May 7, 2013
Kim & Ron Goldsmith
The world lost an amazing man. So many fond memories. You will be missed, Uncle Jim.
May 7, 2013
Bud & Maggie Hilliard
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Walkinshaw family. I worked for Jim for a few years in the late 60s and early 70s in the Engineering Dept. in Bldg. 42 and he was a joy to work for. We also enjoyed seeing him at all the Oldsmobile functions during the years. He was proud of his family and also his Oldsmobile family. God bless you.
May 7, 2013
Bob Benezette
So sorry for your loss. So many memories over the last 40 years. All of the Olds family will miss our friend, co-worker, and world class historian.
Bob Benezette
May 7, 2013
Ron, Janet, Alan and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all . We share in your sorrow and hope that knowing friends care and share in your sorrow will sustain you at this saddest time.
Love, Beth and Jack
May 7, 2013
Roger Budzynski
Janet and family, Maxine and I wish to express our deepest sympathy. Jim was our friend and we truly enjoyed his company. He will always be in our thoughts -- not only the "curved dash" but I remember a trip to UP to buy Tax Land and so many other wonderful times --- Rog and Maxine
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