James Wallace "Wally" Sheid

James Wallace (Wally) Sheid Jr., passed away on his 90th birthday, Sunday, June 2, 2013. He was born in Van Alstyne, Texas on June 2, 1923. He was the only child of J. W. Sheid, Sr., and Mayme Geer Sheid. At the age of about eleven he and his parents moved to El Paso where he remained for the rest of his life. It is during his school days at Crockett Elementary School and Austin High School that he forged many lifelong friendships, Ben Mason and Frank Mangan to name a few. He attended Texas College of Mines (now UTEP) and graduated from UT Austin with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, but only after he first served his country during WWII. Of all his endeavors and accomplishments, it was this of which he was most proud. He married Betty Jean Wing and they had three sons, Bobby, Rick, and Rusty. In 1966 he married Bertha Estrada. They shared 47 wonderful years and had two sons, Wallace (Guayo) and Patrick. Always wanting to own his own business, he began to design and build custom homes in the mid fifties. One commission led to another until he established a reputation for beautiful design and excellent construction. For the next fifty years or so he constructed many of El Paso’s finest homes. He branched out into commercial construction where he also applied his meticulous attention to detail. His reputation for honesty, integrity, and creativity followed him steadfastly his entire career. He built several homes at a time when a simple handshake was enough to seal a contract. He designed, built, and owned Pepper Tree Square which still stands as one of the more unique shopping centers in El Paso. He was a wonderful amateur photographer, woodworker, and stained glass artist. He enjoyed the outdoors where he pursued hiking, backpacking, and camping with his family. He taught his sons many of his skills which have remained with them. His passion for fast cars and ice cream is legend. He leaves behind his wife, Bertha and their son Wallace. His beloved son Patrick received his “Dada” with loving arms. He also leaves behind his sons Bobby (Beth), Rick (Vickie), and Rusty (Marina). Left to deeply mourn his absence are his granddaughters Annika, Camille, Emma, and his loving daughter-in-law, Audrey. Also left to mourn his passing are his granddaughter Whitney (Rick), his grandsons Russell, Cameron, and Adam (Rusty), and four great grandchildren. He will be missed by his brothers-in-law Sonny, John, and Hector Estrada and their families, his sisters-in-law Virginia Zarate, Pat Bellinger and their families. The list would not be complete without recognizing the loving and abiding friendship of the Southern family, Todd, Elisa, Sara, Amanda, and Mario. He learned so much about love, family, and friendship from this very special family. His cremated remains will be interred at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Military Honors on Friday, June 14, 2013 at 9:00am. Memorial contributions may be made to “Wounded Warrior Project” or the charity of your choice. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Please visit on-line register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net