James Alfred Wallace, Jr.

James Alfred Wallace, Jr. a native of New Orleans departed this life at the age of 88, on Saturday, February 21, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Alfred Wallace, Sr. and Serena Minor Wallace, his brother Melvin Robert Wallace and his sister Celina Wallace Hobbs.

He was the loving and extraordinary husband of the late Fay Smith Wallace for 51 years. He was the devoted and exceptional father of Constance D. Wallace and Darren J. Wallace.

James attended Joseph S. Clark High School, and in his junior year took an exam offered by the Ford Foundation to exemplary students. He aced the exam and earned early admission to Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. While at Morehouse he became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a distinction he cherished every day of his life. James earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Mathematics/Physics.

His employment included more than 15 years as an Engineer/Systems Analyst for a contractor of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), during the time of manufacture of the Saturn booster rocket, used in the first human flight to the moon. James was also employed for 20 years by contractors of the Department of Energy (DOE), as Manager/ Administrator for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) the agency that manages crude oil stored in Louisiana and Texas. Later, James committed 8 years of hard work and dedication to Total Community Action, Inc. as the Supervisor of Energy Services, James also served as the interim Director of Operations.

James leaves to cherish his memory daughter Constance, son Darren, sister- in-laws Linda Mott Wallace and Kay Smith Robinson; nieces Darlene Hobbs, Sharon Hunter, Dr. Melvia Wallace, Dr. Monica Wallace, and Serena Wallace; nephews Clifford Hobbs, Wallace Michael Hobbs, and Shelby Wallace and a host of fraternity brothers, relatives and friends.

James was a strong family man, a great leader, a trailblazer, teacher and mentor. He was humorous, generous, a man of great integrity and a true class act.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124 on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum. Visitation will begin from 9:00 a.m. until service time. To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com