“Wheat,” as he was better known to friends, was born in Atlanta to the late John Dolphus (J.D.) Wallace and late Mildred Rosebud (Harris) Wallace, and played semi-pro baseball after high school. Jim served (1952-1956) honorably in the Navy aboard the USS Summit County (LST 1146) during the Korean War. Notably, he was present in the Marshall Islands (Bikini) to witness the first test detonation of a hydrogen bomb.

Mr. Wallace was a dignified firefighter and fire chief for the city of East Point, retiring after 32 years of service. He had a passion for the culinary arts, known for his deliciously and beautifully prepared meals at the fire station and family gatherings. Wheat was a decorated wood carver, sharing his incredible talents as a teacher and mentor to generations of woodcarving enthusiasts. James Wallace was the patriarch to four generations of Wallaces, a man of strength and integrity, a giver to the world, who was loved by all.

He is survived by his bride of 57 years, Libby Wallace; son, Dennis Wallace of Zebulon; brothers and sisters, Bill Wallace of East Point, Annette Malone of Roanoke, Va., Donnie Wallace, and his wife Gail, of Sharpsburg, and Dorothy (Gardiner) Smith, and her husband Tony, of Palmetto; grandchildren, Joshua and Heather Wallace, Jonas Wallace and Nick Wallace; great-grandson, Jackson Wallace; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and dear friends.