James Bryson Walsh Sr., Lewes icon

James “Jay B.” Bryson Walsh Sr., 82, of Lewes, passed away Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. He was born Aug. 20, 1942, in Wilmington, son of the late James and Sallie (Bryson) Walsh.

Jay B. was the beloved companion of Jane B. Thompson. He is survived by his sons, William R. Walsh (Bev), James Bryson Walsh Jr. and Del C. Walsh (Wynn); his grandsons, Hunter Walsh (Rachel), Michael Walsh (Erin) and James B. Walsh III; his granddaughter, Curlett Walsh; and his great-grandson, Kai. He also leaves behind many other loving family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, Jay B. was predeceased by his son, Darren; and his sisters, Margaret and Thelma.

Jay B. was the proud owner/operator of Anglers Restaurant and Marina, a family business he helped run from 1963 until his passing. His passions included flying airplanes (obtaining his instrument and multi-engine rating), fishing, boating, waterfowl hunting, riding his Harley-Davidsons, gambling, playing bridge with his friends, and most notably, his love and dedication to Freemasonry.

Jay B. was a faithful member of Jefferson Lodge No. 15 A.F. & A.M. for over 55 years, where he served as past master of the lodge in 1988. He also served on the Grand Staff for the State of Delaware in 1993-94. Throughout his time and dedication to Freemasonry, Jay B. dedicated many years of service to the York Rite, where he served as the head of all three bodies, including six years as the regional deputy general grand master of the Mid-Atlantic. One of his most esteemed achievements was receiving the Order of the Purple Cross. Jay B. was also a past director of the Royal Order of Jesters and a member of Evergreen Forest No. 49 Tall Cedars of Lebanon. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family and friends, especially his and Jane’s Christmas Eve parties, holiday events, and friends gathering for the Doo-Dah Parade and Lewes Christmas Parade.

Jay B. will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

A viewing will be held from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday, Jan. 20, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes. Masonic rites followed by funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21, at the funeral home, where family and friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be private.

Anyone unable to attend the services may view the livestream at: parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/11655211/LTWebcast.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jay B.’s memory are suggested to Lewes Fire Department, lewesfire.com/donate.cfm.

Visit Jay B.’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.