James Robert Wallace

October 8, 1926 - June 24, 2020

Mr. James R. Wallace of Trumann departed this life on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, in his family residence at the age of 93 years, 8 months and 16 days.  He was born October 8, 1926 in Trumann, Arkansas and lived in Houston, Texas before moving back to Trumann in 1986.  James worked at Priestly Drug Store from 1938 to 1944 when he graduated Trumann High School.  He served in the U.S. Navy WWII.  He graduated Arkansas State University in 1949.  He coached basketball in Merced, California and Grubbs, Arkansas.  He worked for Firestone from 1952 to 1985 when he retired as corporate manager after 33 years of service. James was an active member of First Baptist Church, former director of Trumann Chamber of Commerce, member of Trumann Lions Club, American Legion, Real Estate license, and past manager of Trumann Country Club.  He remained active with Grubbs Alumni, Trumann Alumni and Arkansas State University Athletics. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean Wallace after 61 years of marriage; son-in-law, William Humphrey Gillett; one brother, Doss Wallace; two sisters, Lorraine and Ethel Wallace and was the son of the late William “Doss” Granville Wallace and Leona Chaffin Wallace.      He is survived by his one daughter, Lisa L. Gillett of Fulshear, Texas; one special grandson, James A. Dozier and of Katy, Texas; and one nephew, Wallace L. Dillard of Jonesboro.        The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 30th at the Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann.         A celebration of life will be Wednesday morning July 1st at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Trumann with the Rev. John Maley officiating.  Entombment will be at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro, Arkansas.  Because of COVID-19 regulations, social distancing will be followed.        Pallbearers will be Phil Ball, Gary Baldwin, Bob Redden, Scotty Jones, Dennis Morgan, Jan Morgan, Taylor Morgan, and Scottie Taylor.         Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Ragland, Dr. White, Randy Bolin, Matt Moon, Joe Eldridge, Shannon Montgomery, L.D. Gibson, and the Deacons of First Baptist Church.       In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 575, Trumann, AR  72472. Online guest book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net