of North Little Rock, 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.
Sign Guestbook
17 Condolence(s)
Maranda Jackson
Sunday, February 15, 2026
I had the pleasure of assisting the family with Mr.Wallace’s transition from home to Assisted Living a few years ago.. I spent many days visiting with him, helping with Lucky, and showed his beautiful apartment to people anytime I got the chance! He was such a special person to me.. I sure miss going every day to check on him! He is deeply missed but I have peace in knowing he is where he longed to be.. with his beautiful wife that he missed more and more everyday! Love you Mr. Wallace!
Linda Faulkner-Griffin
Sunday, February 15, 2026
I was saddened to read about Jim’s passing in today’s newspaper. You were a fun and loving couple. May your many memories sustain you during this time and may God’s peace be with you.
Linda Faulkner-Griffin
Nicole Page
Thursday, February 12, 2026
I am so sorry for your loss!!! He will truly be missed!!! He made everyday at work fun!!!
Lana Lander
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
What a wonderful tribute to a great man. I love the story of him and Pat. God definitely had a plan there, and now his legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren. It was an honor to know him, and a comfort to know that he is now with the Lord. Lifting up prayers for the family ❤️🙏
Mary Kay Kay Simmons
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Dearest Ashley, Jenn and Carter, Your dad was the most influential and important man in my life, only second to my own Daddy. He was my mentor, my savior many times, my boss, my Uncle Jim. May love and peace abound and surround all of you.
John Thornton
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
I feel very blessed to have known Mr. Wallace. He was a great guy.
Rita Hall
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Mr. Wallace was the very best attorney and friend. He has been the family attorney for more than 50 years. When my Dad passed away he helped 2 not so bright kids get through all the mess that my Dad left us. He would tell us stories about my Dad when they were both younger, the pie that Pat made him. He was the very best
Brandy Z Buckner
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Carter, your dad will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved him. I’m so sorry for your loss of your dad. Your dad & my dad shared the same birthday except they were 1 year apart, my dad was 1939!! I didn’t realize that. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
XOXO,
Brandy Buckner
Frank Garlett
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Wallace. He was a great man and I was privileged to be around him. I was fortunate enough to hear his tales and stories and loved hearing them. Also I learned a lot about what it means to be a Christian through him. He was not a man that did the talk but did the walk. I will miss him
Kimberly Bosshart
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Jim was my first “legal boss” and I’ll never forget the lessons and passion he taught for the legal profession. His guidance still shapes my legal practice after 20+ years.
Jason Cutter
Monday, February 2, 2026
Jim stood next to me when I was a reckless mess of a teenager, flirting with a path that would’ve ended long before reaching the years I have now. The grace with which he did it, and the fact that he refused anything in return except a letter I wrote him years later, are things that I carry with me forever. I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to know Jim.
Linda Haigh
Monday, February 2, 2026
I was so sorry to hear about Jim. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brian P Simmons
Monday, February 2, 2026
Mr. Wallace was one of the most Brilliant. Individual's I have ever known. A raconteur a southern gentleman Jim and Ms.Pat are together again in heaven God Bless The Wallace family at this time.
Terri and Kem Todd
Monday, February 2, 2026
So sorry for your loss, Jennifer. You will be in our thoughts.
Dan Maxey
Monday, February 2, 2026
Jennifer,
You have our prayers and love. Know that, in time, memories of the joys will grow as the tears fade.
Love,
Michelle and Dan.
Lindsey Woods
Monday, February 2, 2026
I was blessed to have known him, care for him, and love him. He was always a bright light in my day. The fierce love he had for his wife, kids, family, and friends was palpable and something that I will always admire.
Bill and Kaye Burton
Monday, February 2, 2026
Jimmy and Pat Wallace, two of our dearest friends. They are together again. We have shared so many memories. They hold a special place in our hearts. We have missed Pat so much since she moved to Heaven, and we will miss Jim dearly. We love them forever.