James Wallace

Service for James B. Wallace, 89, of Cleburne, will be conducted at 10:00 A.M., Monday, August 15, 2022, in the Crosier-Pearson Cleburne Chapel. Reverend Odell Allen and Dr. Andy Tyler will be officiating. Burial to follow in Rosehill Cemetery. Visitation will be 4:00-6:00 P.M., Sunday, August 14, 2022, at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Bob Francis, Ronnie Gossett, Larry Sanders, Benny Harlan, Rodney Hudson, Wesley Ard, and Bill Young. Honorary pallbearers will be John Wayne Shelton, Robert Hudson, Jim Henry, Graham Darby, Whitey Long, Jack Lewis, Daniel Ortiz, and Gene Garrett.

James Wallace passed away Thursday, August 11, 2022, peacefully at home after battling cancer for five years. James’ positive attitude during this time inspired his friends and family. He was born January 13, 1933, in Dobrowolski, Texas to Joseph Thomas Wallace and Gussie Ilena (Harlan) Wallace.

James attended Charlotte High School where he played football, baseball, basketball, softball and ran track. When he graduated the Korean war had begun, so he served in the U.S. Army for two years. He was a gunner on a 90-millimeter anti-aircraft gun.

Eventually after working road construction, he began work in 1959 for Mayfield Lumber Company in Arlington. He worked his way up from loading box cars, hauling lumber long distance to purchasing agent then general manager and later co-owner of Mayfield Lumber Company. During this time, James served three years on the Board of Directors for the Lumberman Association of Texas. After 37 years, James retired. He did, however, find time for his passion of quail hunting and training his bird dogs while still working.

In 1973, James met the love of his life, Janet. They married November 3, 1973. After his retirement he and Janet moved to the farm in Cleburne. Rather than being a weekend rancher, he became a full time one! He enjoyed working with his Charolais cattle, admiring his Red deer and Audad sheep, plowing, planting and baling hay. Other retirement time was spent playing golf and he and Janet traveling many places with special friends, Flo and Bob Francis. He could always take time to eat with friends and family at his favorite place, Joe T. Garcias! A very warm-hearted Christian man, James was respected and loved by friends and family.

During his young years, James attended his father’s church and all the activities. After moving to Cleburne, he and Janet joined St. Mark United Methodist Church in 1996. He served loyally as Chairman of the Trustees, participated in the annual chili supper, helped with God Squad that provided food for local families. An entertainer and super story and joke teller, James delighted family and friends.

James is survived by his wife Janet of 48 years; sisters, Margie Shelton and husband, John Wayne of Cleburne, Texas Reba Inez Eddins of Bridge City, Texas; nieces, Regina Perez and husband, Paul and son, Christian of Victoria, Texas, Nina Gross and husband, Al of Frankston, Texas, Pat Lee and husband, Ron of Victoria, Texas, Carol Quinn and husband, Lee of Mena, Arkansas; nephews, Carl Eddins and wife, Becky of Etoile, Texas, Rocky Wallace and wife, Kat of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jobil Wallace of Atlanta, Georgia; great-nephews, Josh Eddins of Bridge City, Texas, John Eddins and wife, Amber of Bridge City, Texas; great-nieces, Ashley Taylor and husband, Chris and son, Sterling of Cleburne, Texas; extended family, Karen Darby and husband, Graham of Midlothian, Texas, their daughters, Katrina Brill and husband, Justin, Monika McBroom and Jared, Cristen Drummond and husband, Josh of Pickerington, Ohio, and Karen’s grandchildren, Teagan, McKenna, Hunter, Michael, Landon, Caleb, and Jack.

Memorials may be made to the Bread Basket at:
St. Mark United Methodist Church
1109 W. Henderson Street
Cleburne, Texas 76033

Or a charity of your choice.