Jamie M. Walsh, 58, died in a motor vehicle crash Monday morning, as reported by the Washington State Patrol. Walsh was the wife of 19th District state Rep. Jim Walsh.

Jamie Walsh was southbound on Highway 101 past the Highland Golf Course when the vehicle she was driving, a 2003 Chrysler, crossed the centerline and impacted the log truck, which was northbound on the road, according to the report. Walsh was pronounced dead on the scene, and the vehicle she was driving was totalled.

The driver of the truck, a 60-year-old man, was uninjured. Both were wearing their seatbelts, according to the report. The roadway was closed for several hours following the accident.

Jamie Walsh was a former Aberdeen School Board member and an architect.

Jim Walsh issued the following statement Tuesday afternoon:

“Yesterday morning Jamie MacKinnon Walsh was killed in a vehicle collision on U.S. 101 near Cosmopolis Hill, south of Aberdeen.

“She was the mother of five children, a licensed architect and my wife of 33 years. We met when we were both 18. She asked me to dance at a college party. She was light, in the deepest sense of that word.

“We were able to travel together quite a bit when we were younger. But, by her nature, Jamie liked staying home. About 20 years ago, we bought an old house in Aberdeen that became her main project — both personally and professionally. She was determined to restore it to its 1890s glory. Her children and I will finish what she started.

“And we will do that, generally. Our family thanks everyone who’s reached out to us with prayers and condolences at this sad time. Rest assured that she would encourage everyone to see the best, the most hopeful, the most graceful parts of life — even through tears.”

Other state legislators offered words of comfort.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jamie Walsh,” House Minority Leader J.T. Wilcox said in a statement Tuesday morning. “Anyone who knew her got to see, firsthand, that she was a phenomenal mother and wife. Jamie and Jim were an amazing team and raised outstanding children. Jamie was energetic, motivated, and dedicated to helping Jim do what was best for their community and state. This is a tragic loss on so many levels. On behalf of the House Republican Caucus, we offer our condolences to Jim, his children and all of Jamie’s family. We wish them peace and strength during this incredibly difficult time.”

Jim Walsh’s 19th District colleague state Sen. Jeff Wilson also released a statement.

“Yesterday our state lost an amazing person, Jamie MacKinnon Walsh, in a tragic accident,” Wilson wrote. She was a loving mother, citizen, friend and wife of state Representative Jim Walsh of the 19th district. Our love for her will never be replaced as her presence will always continue on in our heart. Prayers to the family, and friends of Jamie. Heaven has gained an angel.”

— The Chronicle contibuted to this report.

Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@thedailyworld.com.