of Cabot, AR

May 10, 1940 - January 30, 2026

James R. Wallace, age 85, passed away peacefully on January 30th, 2026, surrounded by family. A man larger than life, he lived every day with purpose, grit, and joy; and the mountains, woods, and trails where he spent so much of his time bear silent witness to a life well lived.

His favorite things in life were simple, but never small: spending time with and doting on his beautiful wife, sharing meals with friends and family, petting his faithful hound by a roaring fire, early mornings at the Smackover Hilton (his first deer camp), chasing elk and summiting trails around Crested Butte, CO, and spending long evenings at Hogan's Gym watching his son Carter box under Coach Ray Rogers. He treasured his years hunting at Buck Run; his family deer camp; where he shared stories, laughter, and more than a few tall tales with his children, grandchildren, and friends. He loved Panama City Beach trips with family, climbing mountains with his grandkids, collecting guns of every possible make and model, and retelling his best stories (and then retelling them again… and again).

Born to Cecil Carter and Ruby Faye (Granger) Wallace on May 10, 1940, in Little Rock, he grew into a man defined not by titles or trophies, but by passions. And while the mountains, trails, and wild places tugged fiercely at his heart, nothing ever held it quite the way his beautiful bride, Patricia, did. He loved his wife with a devotion that spanned 62 years; a deep and steady love that shaped their family and set the example for generations to come. He was a strong Christian man. His faith was never loud or showy, but steady, certain, and lived. He raised his family to love Jesus not through speeches, but through example; through kindness, integrity, courage, and humility. He carried these same qualities into his many years as an attorney (U of A Fayetteville School of Law, 1964), practicing with a sense of justice, compassion, and unwavering integrity that earned the respect of colleagues, clients, and adversaries alike.

It should be noted that his path to becoming the man we all knew was not entirely linear. In his younger years, he enthusiastically skirted the bounds of delinquency, mischief, and questionable decision-making; right up until the day he met Patricia at Little Rock Central High School in 1958. In short order, she put him on the straight and narrow, and together they built a life bursting with adventure, devotion, and laughter. For 62 years, their marriage was a testimony to commitment and tenderness; their home, a place where children learned what love, respect, and faithfulness look like across a lifetime.

He was preceded in death by his adored wife, Patricia Ann Wallace (Daunis) who loved him in spite of his many quirks and foibles. He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law and friend, Lynn Garst. It is important to mention that he was preceded in death by his faithful Catahoula, Jenna, but that he is survived by Lucky (''the luckiest dog to ever wander out of the East Camden river bottoms''). He is survived by his son, Carter Wallace (Jennifer), his daughter Ashley Reeves (Sam), and his middle child Jennifer Jackson (Nelson). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Samantha Thurman (Aaron Eng), Lindsey Tucker (Mark), Hunter and Hayes Wallace (Katie), and James and Valerie Jackson. His legacy continues with his great-grandchildren Henry Thurman and Lily and Nora Tucker. In addition, he is survived by his younger sister, Doretta ''Tilly'' Allen and her husband, Dr. Richard Allen who was also one of his dearest life-long friends. Also surviving him are many nieces and nephews and his dear sister-in-law, Georgiann Garst.

A visitation with the family (10am) and a celebration of his life (11am) will be held at Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock, AR on Monday, February 16th, 2026, followed by a private graveside service for the family.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Owens Funeral Home
5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
North Little Rock, AR  72116
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com