I always looked forward to my next meeting with Jim.     Jim hired me at Wolf Data Service as my first job out of college.   Jim was a great boss, and so much more.    He had fantastic business and computer programming skills, but he was a superb people-person.   I really enjoyed his stories about growing up in St. Louis, working at the Zoo, being a big band fan, working at Honeywell Computers in the heyday of big computers.     We shared an interest in the great classic, magic tricks and great stories.     I remember arriving at work early every morning and Jim would already be there talking to one of his contacts on the phone in very hushed tones, but inevitably after every 20 seconds or so he would erupt in uncontrollable snickering.    I mean, we shared laughs too, but they seemed to be the normal ha - ha variety.    This person on the phone had to be Lenny Bruce or someone like that to get those hard deep laughs at 7:30 in the morning.     I thought what a great way to start the day!    I remember most of the stories Jim told me, but I won't share them all here.    Here's one.   When Jim was growing up in St. Louis, he was a fan of the big band music.    He could hear a song and he'd be able to name the person playing the solo.     His neighbor was one of the Dinning Sisters (I thought it was Anne, but I don't see her listed as a DS), and she had a party one day and invited Jim.     Jim's real idol at that time was famed saxophonist Tex Beneke.   At the party, Anne brought a gentleman over to Jim and said, "This is my neighbor, Jim.   He can hear a song and name the soloist!"   The guy was, "That so?   Okay, kid.    Who's playing the solo to the one that's playing right now?"    Jim listened and thought, "That's an easy one," and said, "That's Tex Beneke!"   The guy says, "No!   You're wrong!"     Jim, who was always considerate, listened and said, "Uhm....I'm pretty sure that's Beneke."   The guy said, "That's not Tex Beneke!    That can't be Tex Beneke!   Because I'M TEX BENEKE!!!"     Jim's eyes widened and he drew a deep breath in amazement, and that's how he met Tex Beneke!          He seemed to have a lot of show-business encounters.     I remember he had a job of announcing the Smothers Brothers at some club -- he said they were always fighting for real just before the curtain would open.     He once ran a marionette on some kid's show -- some other guy did the puppet's voice and Jim said he never had any idea what that guy was going to say.     I was enthralled by all of this.    In addition to the fantastic, he also could tell a story about normal everyday life and then add his well-thought conclusion on the matter.    I still can't do that.     I have a ton of stories, but I still can't rationalize why any of them happened.    I am really happy that I had the pleasure of Jim's acquaintance in my lifetime.    I learned a lot from him and I look forward to our next meeting.    My sincere condolences to his family and friends.     

Roxanne and the Wallace family,
I don't know the rest of you, and only got to know Jim in these last few years.  We connected initially through music, being together in a Street performer group a couple years ago and occasional get-togethers of that small group since.  Jim is one of the most likable people I have ever met, and told me of his challenging but most diverse and interesting life.  I deeply treasure the brief moment that his life was part of mine.

Roxanne and family, 
You are in my thoughts and prayers today.  Please accept my sincere condolences and  know that Jim will be missed by many.

Roxanne, Joan, Carol, Anne, and family. My heart goes out to you during your time of loss and beyond. Jim was funny, quick-witted, and a strong man. I will miss him. May God's hand, your faith, and love from friends sustain you now and in the future.

Roxanne and Joan and family, I am holding you in the Light of Christ in this tender time of remembering and grief. Grace and peace to you.

Roxanne, my heart breaks for you at this news. I pray that you feel the love and comfort of God surrounding you.  You are in my prayers.

Roxanne and Joan It was a pleasure playing with Jim in the bell choir and sharing in his wise humor. I will miss going through the church door together as we often did for rehearsals. He is a good guy. Blessings and peace my sisters in Christ.

  I only knew Jim a few years, but I think he was one of the best.  He was always so friendly and cheerful, and he taught me a lot about bell ringing.  We'll certainly miss him.

Roxanne and family, So sorry to hear of Jim's death.  He will be missed at bell choir for sure and at church. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Mary and Dean De Ridder

Dear Roxanne and family, I was so sorry to read of Jim's death. Immediately I saw his smiling face in my mind, remembered his kindness, friendship, his "I can do this" attitude, his joy in his family, and the fun of seeing Jim down the bell choir row, and knowing he was going to "hit the notes" at the right time and with the right bell. Heaven's gain is our loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Roxanne and family,  I am so sorry to hear of the death of Jim.  I will miss seeing him in the bell choir.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

James L. Wallace

2 juin 1937 – 5 juillet 2017

Lakeshore Memorial Services

Montrez votre soutien

Envoyez Vos
Condoléances

Partager
L'avis De Décès

Obtenir les mises à jour

Prestations de Service