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James Robert Wallace
October 8, 1926 - June 24, 2020

Mr. James R. Wallace of Trumann departed this life on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, in his family residence at the age of 93 years, 8 months and 16 days.  He was born October 8, 1926 in Trumann, Arkansas and lived in Houston, Texas before moving back to Trumann in 1986.  James worked at Priestly Drug Store from 1938 to 1944 when he graduated Trumann High School.  He served in the U.S. Navy WWII.  He graduated Arkansas State University in 1949.  He coached basketball in Merced, California and Grubbs, Arkansas.  He worked for Firestone from 1952 to 1985 when he retired as corporate manager 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 after 61 years of marriage; 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 and of Katy, Texas; and one nephew, Wallace L. Dillard of Jonesboro.        The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 30th at the Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann.         A celebration of life will be Wednesday morning July 1st at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Trumann with the Rev. John Maley officiating.  Entombment will be at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro, Arkansas.  Because of COVID-19 regulations, social distancing will be followed.        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      

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Service details

Visitation

June 30, 2020
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Thompson Funeral Home Chapel
220 Viva Drive
Trumann, AR 72472
(870)483-6311

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Funeral Service

July 1, 2020
10:00 AM

First Baptist Church
1301 Highway 69 West
Trumann, AR 72472
(870)483-6450

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  1. V.W. "Vinnie" Donovan, FORT MYERS says

    I just received notice of Jim's passing this week. My wife Ann and I were shocked and saddened. There are some very special people in this world and Jim was one of them. We were blessed to have him. We just kind of thought he would stay a little longer. I guess he missed Betty Jean too much. We would get together every October in Clearwater, FL for the Gumdipper annual reunion. His smile, dapper dress and pleasant demeanor always made being around Jim a real pleasure. He will be sorely missed by us and all his fellow Gumdippers !

  2. christine lewis, Fulshear says

    My dear friend Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss. I know what a special relationship you had with your parents, especially with your Dad these last few years sense your mom has been gone and sense Humphrey passed away. I believe they where there to great him with open arms and Humphrey asking "How is my lovely wife Lisa?" I know there is a hole in your heart but imagine the joy your parents had to be together again. I can see your mom now, dressed to the nines, hair all fixed up and make-up impeccable, with joy all over her face to see your dad. I believe they are watching you and Jimmy from heaven, so proud of the wonderful women and man you have become. I love this sweet picture of him, it is just how I want to remember him. I'm sorry I can't be there with you but I am there in spirit. All My Love, Chris

  3. Bonnie Harding, Houston Texas says

    I never met “Dad” but feel like I know him. His sweet daughter Lisa, my very, very wonderful friend talked about him often and I was with her many times when they had their daily phone calls. So I got to hear his voice and could hear how special and loving he was. He truly was a man of the Greatest Generation, sincere, honest, kind, loving and a true gentleman. I wish I had met him, but I’ll miss him anyway.

  4. Marion Holt, Rye, New York says

    Mr. Wallace was a smart, wise and good man, he will be missed by many. May he Rest In Peace

  5. Christina Hetleoen, Katy, TX says

    My dear friend Lisa, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved, beloved strong dad! We are thinking of you and Jimmy and our hearts are with you in this difficult time.

  6. Lynn Osment, Trumann, Ar says

    Jim was a great friend and always had something nice to say. He will be greatly missed by his church family and his memory will live on. Prayers for his family.

  7. Ron Blackburn, Jonesboro says

    I'm proud to have great memories of Jim. I first met him thru my father, Bill Blackburn at Dad's Firestone dealership in Jonesboro when we were all younger. I never had any business dealings with Jim but he would stop by the store just to say Hello. His infectious smile and personable demeanor was always welcoming. He was highly respected in the tire dealership community of Arkansas and nationwide. Our friendship continued with our joint interest in ASU sports. I am saddened to learn of his passing but i will always value his caring nature and friendship.

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