James Edward Wallis

After a courageous battle from the effects of Short Telomere Syndrome, Jim passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. His warmth, kindness, and unwavering love will forever be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to know him. He brought a vibrancy and humanity that made a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Jim was born on August 14, 1958, in Ironwood, Michigan, to Jack and Nancy Wallis. He is predeceased by his wife, Julene Fulkerson Wallis, who passed in 2007. Together they had a son, Kyle. Jim is survived by his wife Barbara Wallis, son Kyle, step-daughters Jessica and Hannah, daughter-in-law Jordin, grandchildren William and Benjamin, and three siblings, Jack, Rene, and Deena.

Jim grew up with a deep appreciation for family, friends, and the simple joys in life. Jim was a devoted grandfather to his two grandsons, William and Benjamin, who brought immense joy and light to his life. His love for his family was the foundation of his life, and he created countless cherished memories that will live on in their hearts. A man of great compassion, Jim always put the needs of others before his own, leaving a legacy of kindness and generosity.

Jim began his professional career as an Athletic Trainer in 1989 in Portland, Oregon at Portland State University. His expertise and dedication to the field were unmatched, and his mentorship created lasting bonds with those he taught and worked alongside. He retired from PSU in 2020 as Director of Sports Medicine.

Jim continued to be involved with his professional organizations, the Oregon Athletic Trainers Association and the Northwest Athletic Trainer’s Association. In addition, he served as an Athletic Trainer for the USA Fencing team, supporting athletes at both domestic and international competitions. He also hosted the Japanese Athletic Training Certification (JTAC) Association for 20+ consecutive summers where aspiring Athletic Trainers traveling from Japan, under the leadership of Dr. Yukio Kataoki, would arrive at PSU. A week of workshops and training would culminate in the infamous BBQ in Jim’s backyard.

During his career at PSU, Jim became involved with Dr. Kenzo Kase and the Kinesio community. Jim was pivotal in bringing Dr. Kase’s vision of the Kinesio Taping Method to the world. His dedication and passion helped establish the foundation of Kinesio education today, making an enduring impact on the global health and community of the world. Along with training on the Kinesio methods to countless CKTPs and CKTIs, he authored, with Dr Kase, the Kinesio Taping Clinical Therapeutic Application of the Kinesio Taping Method.

He will be dearly missed by his wife Barbara, his son Kyle, Jordin, his grandsons William and Benjamin, and all who knew him. Jim’s family takes comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, free from pain, and reunited with loved ones who have gone before him.

A celebration of his life will be held on February 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Finley Sunset Hills Mortuary & Sunset Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Lung Association and/or the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation in his honor.