James Samuel Wallace

James Samuel Wallace was born in Vicksburg Mississippi on July 16, 1932 to the late Laura Lee Thomas Wallace and Thomas Wonion Wallace. He is preceded in passing by four siblings: Thomas, Betty, Philip and Nathaniel. James attended Bowman High School in Vicksburg and Lincoln High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas upon relocating after the passing of his mother. In Fort Smith, he lived with Dora and Wilson Sullivan, his aunt and uncle. James joined the United States Army, serving in the Korean Conflict, and subsequently, stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia and Elmendorf Air Force Base, in Anchorage Alaska. While stationed in Alaska, he proposed marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Josephine Arnold. On January 6th 1957, they were married at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Vicksburg, Mississippi. They were transferred to Hartford, Connecticut, where their first child, Valerie was born. After three years, they were once again transferred, this time to Key West, Florida, where their second child, Portia was born. The military lifestyle would eventually find the family living in Maryland and as far away as Germany. After 26 years of service to his country, James retired from the U.S. Army in El Paso Texas, on the 1st of July, 1977. Upon retirement, James relocated to Los Angeles, where he attended Los Angeles Trade Tech, receiving an Associates of Arts degree in Culinary Arts, and through correspondence courses, earned an Associates of Arts degree in Management from the University of Wisconsin. James would go on to work for Los Angeles County, both at Los Angeles County Harbor–UCLA Medical Center and with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. He would eventually retire after 22 years of service to Los Angeles County, returning to El Paso, Texas. In retirement, James lived the remainder of his years with his loving wife, cooking and traveling. James Samuel Wallace is survived by: Wife, Josephine Wallace, Daughters Portia Wallace and Valerie Wallace-Allison, Son-in –Law Barry Allison, and Grandson Hanson Wallace. Sisters Dora Lee Fulth, and Elsie Foster and brother, Emmons Wallace; as well as Ethel Larkins, Shirley Wallace-Brown and husband Frank Brown, and Carl Wallace and wife Carolyn. Sergeant First Class James Samuel Wallace: Bronze Star Korean Service Medal National Defense Service Medal United Nations Service Medal Good Conduct Medal (3) First Class Missileman Badge Sharpshooter Commendation Special Thanks to friends and family, and all others who shared special times and experiences with James throughout his life. Additionally: Department of Veterans Affairs William-Beaumont Army Medical Center Providence Medical Network Kindred Hospital of El Paso We are eternally grateful for the love and support shown during this time. Visitation will be from 5:00PM-9:00PM with Prayer Service to follow at 7:00 PM Thursday, April 28, 2016 at Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Committal service will be at 11:00AM Friday, April 29, 2016 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home Northeast.