James "Butch" Wallace

James Lee Wallace, affectionately known and loved by everyone as "Butch," was born on July 7, 1949, to the late Essie Mae Wainwright. As a resilient single mother, she lovingly raised James and his three siblings in the Ebenezer community of Strong, Arkansas. James attended Gardner High School.

James worked at Georgia-Pacific for more than 40 years. Limited educational opportunities and workplace discrimination made his early years at the company challenging. Determined to improve his future, James enrolled in adult education classes offered through Georgia-Pacific. His goal was to earn better pay and advance his career. Although there were times when he wanted to give up, the love and support of his family gave him the strength to persevere. Graduating from the program was one of the proudest and most exciting moments of his life.

On December 22, 1972, James married the love of his life, Annie Bea Wallace, whom he affectionately called his "Poonch." Their union was blessed with three children. Together, James and Annie made education a priority and encouraged their children to strive for academic excellence. They shared 44 years of marriage before Annie's passing on April 21, 2017.

James found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved fishing, hunting, basketball, old Western movies, and completing word searches in his "puzzle book." He also enjoyed a good game of dominoes, especially when he could get away with a little cheating. Above all, he cherished spending time with his "Grand Monsters." In his later years, family vacations and RV trips became some of his favorite activities.

On August 5, 2026, James transitioned from this life to rest with the Lord. He passed away at home, where he enjoyed spending much of his time. He was preceded in death by his mother, Essie Mae Wainwright; his siblings, Dorothy Page and Odell Daniels; and his grandson, Jamie Rasheed Wallace. He now rests alongside his beloved wife, Annie Wallace.

James leaves to cherish his memory his three children: Jamie Wallace of Strong, Arkansas; Jameshia Wallace Braxton (Damon, Sr.) of Little Rock, Arkansas; and Jamelia Wallace of Alexander, Arkansas. He also leaves his sister, Alice Benton of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; his grandchildren, Skylar Wallace and Damon Braxton, Jr.; and a host of family members and friends who loved him dearly.

James accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and carried his faith throughout his life. As his faith grew stronger in his later years, he often said, "If He calls me today, I'm ready." We will miss James more than words can express, but his presence, love, and strength will remain with us always.

In the end, our prayer is to proclaim, just as James did:

"I'm ready."