CHESAPEAKE—James Karl Walski, 73, passed away May 12, 2021.

Jim was a loving father and husband, a mentor to young people he worked with, and a trusted confidant who dedicated his substantial gifts to the betterment of his community. He was born and raised in Portsmouth and, after graduating from Virginia Tech, served honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam war-era. Jim remained an avid Hokies fan for life, loved all sports, was a voracious reader, had a quick wit, and a big heart. At 6'8", he truly was the gentle giant.

Jim was a civil engineer who was a published water treatment expert. He served Portsmouth and Chesapeake, respectively, as the Assistant Director and then Director of Public Utilities. After retiring from the city he continued working on water treatment systems for the U.S. Navy, improving maintenance programs and water and sewer system plans, and training Naval Public Works Officers and Managers who implemented his teachings at military bases around the world.

Jim is predeceased by his father, mother, and younger siblings Anita and Ed. He is survived by his wife, Sarah; his children, Michael and Jennifer; his brother Frank; numerous aunts and uncles, nephews, nieces and their families.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 25, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 522 High St., Portsmouth. The Mass will also be livestreamed here . Placement of his ashes will follow at Albert G. Horton Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Rd., Suffolk.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org . Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.