Jim Walsh Sr., who won 234 games as a football coach at Benedictine in Savannah and Pacelli in Columbus, died Saturday at age 86.
Walsh’s Benedictine teams won region titles in the highest classification in 1977, 1978, 1979 and 1983. Benedictine was noted for outstanding linemen such as Andrew Provence, who would play for the Atlanta Falcons; Jim Blakewood, a starter on Georgia’s 1980 national championship team; and Bill Searcey, a member of Alabama’s 1979 national championship team.
Walsh’s son, Jim Jr., also was an all-state linemen who started at South Carolina. He became a Georgia high school coach at Johnson of Savannah and Bradwell Institute. The Walsh family’s 371 combined victories rank fourth in state history for a father and son.
Walsh Sr. was a good player himself, a fullback who led Auburn in rushing in 1956. He is a former fullback at Auburn, is a member of the the Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame.
Walsh became the 15th coach in Georgia history to win 200 games in 1988. He retired as a coach after the 1994 season and remained as athletic director through 1998.
Walsh Jr. announced his father’s passing on Facebook Saturday: “It is with great sadness our dad and hero has passed away. He will be greatly missed, but we rejoice in the fact he is no longer suffering. He was loved by so many especially my mom, my siblings and many grand children and great grand children. To the former friends and players ... thank you for all the condolences and calls.”
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
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