James William Wallace, 84, of Greenwood, Arkansas was born on July 28, 1938, to the late George and Beulah Wallace in Jenny Lind, Arkansas, the oldest of 3 boys (younger brothers Jack and Carol). He was called home on May 31, 2023, while he was peacefully asleep at home. He had been waiting a long 4 years for the glad reunion day in Heaven, when he would join his wife, Doris Fay Seal, who was called home just short of celebrating 50 years together.
He was a graduate of Greenwood High School Class of 1956 and served as a Morse code operator in the Navy on the USS Canberra. He could still tell you the beeps, dots and dashes of how those messages sounded. Everyone that knew Jim, knew how many years he stood on a meat block. Because of the many years in the grocery business keeping the meat counters stocked for Krogers, Harps, Safeway, Food Plus and all the other rotating names of stores, he often told us about Uncle Art and Uncle Burt causing him discomfort. During his career, there were many accidents and close calls. He found great humor in showing us his half little finger as an example of his memory failing in the last few years. Along with his meat cutting career, he loved the Lord and served in a variety of positions with churches and missions. We remember him pounding away at the manual typewriter working on sermons or typing up index cards for weddings. Not only did he marry all four kids but several other family and friends. Many times, in his living room.
Until he was called home, he was a man of routine. Every morning it was coffee time while reading his Bible and the newspaper. He ended his day after the 10:00 news. He loved watching the Bulldogs and supporting the Hogs.
Together, Jim and Doris had four children, Randy Wallace of Greenwood, Terri (husband Chris) Napier of Greenwood, Debbie (husband Matt) Sobolewski of Greenwood and Tony (wife Michelle) Wallace of Spiro, OK. They had many others they proudly called their “kids” as well. Their home was overflowing for holidays and special occasions with 13 grandchildren, Brandon Buchert, Matt (wife Britni) Buchert, Tyler Wallace, T.J. Wallace, Stephen Wallace, Weston (wife Samantha) Hood, Bethany Hood, Hayden Napier, Brittany Napier, Heath Franklin, Minden Franklin and Greyson (wife Deidra) Franklin, Brittney (husband Edgar) Athey, as well as 13 great grandchildren, Kadince, Avery, Nick, Skyler, Hunter, Abigail, Prudence, Brant, Bria, Freeway, Raybyrd, Scarlett and Violet.
We are blessed and thankful for all those who helped us care for mom and dad the last few years enabling them to stay in their home. Special thanks to Home Instead and the caregivers, Brenda, Dennis, and Haley.
The celebration of life service will be at 2 p.m., Monday, June 5 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood. Family and friends will gather at The Rock at Greenwood First Baptist Church at 11:30 am prior to the service for food and fellowship.
Honorary pallbearers will be Denver Street Men’s Group, his brothers Jack Wallace and Carol Wallace.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
