James Blaine Wallace

Jim “Coach” Wallace, 89, lost his battle with cancer on September 17, 2017. He and his twin brother, John Newton Wallace, were born October 24, 1927 to Walter and Blanche (Summers) Wallace in Boise, Idaho. They were the oldest of five boys: Mike, Duncan and Doug Wallace.

Jim and John were raised by their mother until their early teens then by Aunt Ethel and Uncle Ira in Glenns Ferry, Idaho. They graduated from Glenns Ferry High School, joined the Navy to help fight in WWII. By the time they completed boot camp, WWII victory had been declared. They served in the Philippines and Guam. After Jim’s tour of duty, he entered Albion State Normal School College in southeastern Idaho to become a teacher. He was in the public school system for over 30 years serving as a principal in Gooding, Idaho. He completed his last 15 years at Toppenish High School.

In a previous marriage, Jim had four children: Jim, John, Joe, and Karen. They were loved, enjoyed and encouraged by their father.

Both Jim and John loved sports, playing basketball and football in high school. Jim became a high school football coach with a winning record of 8 out of 10. He played semi-pro basketball (the Gem Staters) throughout Idaho and Utah. His love for golf allowed him to work for several years as pro for several courses throughout Idaho. He was privileged and honored to work as a marshal at the 1994 Masters in Augusta, Georgia, and attend two British Opens.

He worked in Saudi Arabia as an athletic director for the Saudi armed services. Then in Germany, as a sales representative to the U.S. military bases. When he returned to the States, he took a teaching position at Toppenish High School. He was their golf coach and girls’ basketball coach. His 1990-91 team was the first Top-Hi girls’ basketball team to be state competitors.

In 1992, he married Elaine Keeth which began a new chapter in both of their lives. They became travelers to near and faraway places. Jim became an author of 8 books. They enjoyed gardening, sharing time with each other and making their house a home filled with laughter, adventure and love.

Jim was an active member of Mt. Adams Country Club and served on the board of directors for several years. He was instrumental in teaching golf to several individuals over the years. He never saw a stranger and could visit with just about anyone. His never-ending smile, unending knowledge, and wit will be missed by many.

Jim Wallace was preceded in death by his parents Blanche and Walter; Aunt Ethel and Uncle Ira; two brothers Mike and John; and a son, John.

He is survived by his wife Elaine; two sons Jim (Sue) of Boise, Joe (Marie) of Nampa, Idaho; daughter Karen (Keith) Maples of Boise; 8 grandchildren: Madison Wallace, Caris (Josh) Eaton, Cassey Wallace, Kyra Maples, Kayla Maples, Kendra (Alex) Layden, Kelci Richardson, and Adam (Emily) Wallace and 8 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Duncan (Gerri) and Doug of Salt Lake City, Utah; plus numerous nieces and nephews and his Scottie, Sadie.

Special thanks to the staff at Toppenish Hospital ICU and Dr. Julia Ricking.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 5, 2017 at Keith & Keith Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2017 at Rainer Memorial Center in Terrace Heights, Washington. A special celebration will be held at Mt. Adams Country Club October 21, 2017. Check their website page for details.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Union Gospel Mission or Jim Wallace Scholarship Fund through Heritage Bank, Toppenish Branch.

To share a memory of Jim please visit www.keithandkeith.com.