I’m still remembering Jim, especially when I get information from Washington & Lee. He was my classmate (1964), and I am so grateful that we reconnected in the1990s over a real estate transaction in Plano. He was more than a good attorney—a good person.  I know his memory is a blessing for all who knew him. Bob Brewer

Jim and I were classmates at W&L. When my company needed help in 2001 with a real estate matter in the Dallas area, I contacted Jim. What a great job he did for us!  I send my condolences and best wishes to Marcia and his family. 

Bob Brewer, Class of 1964

Marcia, my favorite mental snapshot of Jimmy is watching him walking with you while you were shopping together in the neighborhood.  Both of you smiling, laughing, talking, bumping shoulders, reaching for the other's arm or hand - obviously enjoying each other's company.  It was a privilege to witness your profound and enduring affection for one another. Your friendship. Your love. I'm sorry for your loss.  

Very sad to hear of Jim's passing.  I participated in his Real Estate Discussion Group which was so valuable to many Dallas attorneys. I learned much from him.   My sincere condolences to his family. 
Jeff Dunn, Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, PC

I had the pleasure and honor of being one of Jim's law partners for many years while we were at Jenkins & Gilchrist. Jim was the consummate lawyer. His knowledge of the law in his field was unmatched. He modeled the highest degree of professionalism and ethics of any lawyer I know. He was a fabulous trainer of young lawyers and an example for all.  But I think he is most remembered for being a remarkable human being.  I will always remember him for his wisdom and kindness and for his willingness to help anyone who asked for his input or assistance. We have lost someone very special. My prayers go out for the family. 

Please accept our deepest sympathy to the entire Wallenstein family.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
                   Our sincere love,
Dale and David Hyman ( W & L ‘64)

   Jim was a friend of mine since our Washington & Lee days together. He was honest, loyal, intelligent and lots of fun. As as husband and father, he excelled. I valued the lunches we had together when whenever those opportunities were available.  Lord knows that truly fine individuals are few and far between. Jim was one of them. 
     I will miss you. 
              Stuart (Yoffe, MD)

We haven’t communicated in many years, but Judy David told me of Jimmy’s passing. I understand you live in the same building. 

May Jimmy’s passing be for a blessing to you, his family and friends and all who knew him. I hope that your tears will turn into happy memories down the road as you remember the wonderful years you had together….💕

Jim was the epitome of the professional attorney: scholarly, ethical, collaborative, industrious, to name a few.  He had a huge impact on me as a young lawyer (Jim is 6 years my elder) by the manner in which he conducted himself.  The profession is better because of Jim.

Ron Holmes

I just received an email about Jim.  After sadness, my immediate thoughts of Jim were:  intelligence, integrity, honesty, compassion.  What a wonderful person!

I was fortunate early in my legal career to be assigned to work with regularly with Jim after he joined the firm.  He was a great mentor, a patient teacher and a role model.   Even then, the early 1980's, Jim was already considered the dean of the Dallas--if not the Texas-- real estate bar, widely respected for both his skills as a lawyer, as a speaker on the CLE circuit, an instructor at the SMU Law School and a regular contributor to journals and newsletters on various legal topics.   I will be forever indebted to Jim for all that I learned from him, in particular his practical approach to problem solving and his insistence on legal writing that was clear, concise, easily understandable by non-lawyers and devoid of legalese.  He was a man of principle, sensitive to conflicts of interest, committed to the practice of law as a profession and always conscious of the ethical rules that govern each of us in the practice of law.  Eventually, my own legal career took me to other law firms and we saw each other only occasionally but I never lost sight of all that I learned from him and I will be forever grateful.  He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

I met Jim shortly after law school, in  1970. He was already established powerhouse in his field. Over the years I did many deals with him and I consider that he was simultaneously one of the smartest and most ethical attorneys I have ever met.  He helped establish norms in the leasing field and was always consistent in whatever he did. He was truly a pioneer. 

Jim was one-of-a-kind, in the best possible sense of that term -- don't think I know a better human being. And he was as good a lawyer and model professional as there is. I am better for having known Jim, and will miss him. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Even tho I had not seen Jim in a long time I still have very fond memories of how much he helped me in my law practice. When I had an accident that kept me out of my office in 1982 he took his time to help me service my clients. My wife was working with me and she remembers Jim coming to our office more than a few times to help her accommodate clients. He was a special guy.
Ward Williford 

Like Sam, I am very saddened by Jim’s passage but not surprised.  I had been speaking to Jim periodically since he had honored me by asking me to wrap up several transactions for him.  When I spoke to him last week he had not lost his sense of humor or keen intellect but was clearly weary of his lengthy journey. I have never known any lawyer who was as accomplished as Jim.  His expertise, understanding of the big picture yet attention to detail, indefatigable search for reasonable solutions, collaborative approach, uncompromising ethics and attention to justice served as a bright shining beacon to all of us.  Most of all I will miss our discussions on varied topics ranging from law, politics, morality and especially art.  He was the epitome of excellence as a lawyer but, even more importantly, as a human being, and he will be remembered, missed and celebrated by many.

Mark Murray
Glast, Phillips & Murray, P.C.

I am shocked and saddened to find out that Jim Wallenstein died today. 

I’ve known Jim for over 50 years—we worked together on many CLE Presentations, participated in many transactions on opposite sides of the table and, finally, after many years, practiced together at GPM. 

Jim Wallenstein exemplified the standard by which excellence is judged and always will. 

May his memory be a blessing. 

Sam Glast
Glast, Phillips & Murray,  P.C.


As a teenager, Jimmy taught my sister how to swim; as a law student, Jimmy taught me ethics as my Sunday School teacher; and as an unparalleled member of the bar, he modeled what it meant to be a superior lawyer and person. I will always hold him in the highest regard and try to stay true to the lessons he modeled and taught. He was wonderful in every way, and I am so deeply sad about his passing. My heartfelt wishes to Marsha and all of Jimmy's beloved family, Nina

I had the extraordinary privilege of calling Jim my professor, my boss, my attorney and my mentor. Most important of all he was my friend.  He was one of a handful of men I thank God for brining into my life, and to whom I owe an enormous debt of gratitude.  I am so thankful I had the opportunity to  tell Jim of my love and respect before he passed. He will be missed by many,, and I will remember him fondly forever. My deepest sympathies to Marsha and the girls, whom Jim loved so much. We are all very sad. 

Jim and I were classmates and fraternity brothers at Washington and Lee.
Jim was the consummate gentleman, scholar, athlete and valued close friend.
He will be missed greatly.
Marsha and family, the ZBT Class of 1964 send you all our sincerest sympathies.
May his memory forever be for a blessing.
Nick Cohen
Virginia Beach, VA

Jim started out as my attorney over 35 years ago. With the passage of time, he became much more than an attorney, he became a valued counselor and personal friend.  Everyone that knew Jim, trusted his opinion and were made better by just watching and learning from  how he lived his life. The consummate scholar, gentleman, professor, and just all-around good guy. He will be sorely missed and our hearts and prayers are with Marsha and the entire Wallenstein family.  

I worked with Jim at Jenkins & Gilchrist for many years. He was a very kind man. Prayers for your family. 

So sorry for your loss. Our families were like family when we were growing up….so many memories of long ago. Sending love. 
Ellen Jacobs Kovar
 Norma’s daughter

OBITUARY

James Harry Wallenstein

28 October, 1942 – 18 February, 2023

Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home & Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park

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