XENIA — John J. Walsh started working at Hooven & Allison Cordage Company at the age of 10. He had a natural ability and his interest in the rope making business led him to a lifetime career. He became superintendent at the local firm then was superintendent of various American, Canadian and Mexican cordage companies. During his 45 year career, he was a consulting engineer for the industry, a companion to the first inventors of commercial cordage machinery and designed improvements for the machinery.