James “Jim” Thomas Walch, 71, of Elkader, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. James was born to Tom Walch and Betty (Costigan) Walch on Feb. 19, 1953. Jim grew up in Elkader and, like most boys, spent a lot of time hunting and fishing with his father Tom. At his mother Betty’s wishes, he took art lessons locally, which had a significant effect later in life. He attended grade school at St.