James R. Wallace

James R. Wallace of Trumann departed this life on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, at the age of 93 at his family residence. He was born Oct. 8, 1926 in Trumann and lived in Houston, Texas, before moving back to Trumann in 1986. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and retired as corporate manager for Firestone after 33 years of service. James was an active member of First Baptist Church, former director of Trumann Chamber of Commerce, member of Trumann Lions Club, American Legion, real estate license and past manager of Trumann Country Club. He remained active with Grubbs Alumni, Trumann Alumni and Arkansas State University Athletics. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean Wallace; son-in-law, William Humphrey Gillett; one brother, Doss Wallace; two sisters, Lorraine and Ethel Wallace; and was the son of the late William “Doss” Granville Wallace and Leona Chaffin Wallace.

He is survived by his one daughter, Lisa L. Gillett of Fulshear, Texas; one special grandson, James A. Dozier of Katy, Texas; and one nephew, Wallace L. Dillard of Jonesboro.

A Celebration of Life will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Trumann with the Reverend John Maley officiating. Entombment will be at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro. Pallbearers will be Phil Ball, Gary Baldwin, Bob Redden, Scotty Jones, Dennis Morgan, Jan Morgan, Taylor Morgan, and Scottie Taylor. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Ragland, Dr. White, Randy Bolin, Matt Moon, Joe Eldridge, Shannon Montgomery, L.D. Gibson and the deacons of First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 575, Trumann, AR 72472. Online guest book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.