James Michael Wallace

James Michael Wallace passed away with family by his side at Capital Health Medical Center in Hopewell, New Jersey, on Friday, September 6, 2024. He died from complications following a surgery at the age of 87. 

He will be fondly remembered for his love of history, art, music, jig-saw puzzles, sudoku, and animals—and, if you ask his neighbors, playing the bagpipes. He always enjoyed a glass of red wine or a pint of Guinness, and his favorite meal was spaghetti. He had the biggest sweet-tooth you’d ever seen and he never met a doughnut he didn’t like. Above all, James will be remembered for his boundless kindness, selflessness, gentleness, love for his family, friends, and pets, and his ability to make everyone laugh (or groan) with his unyielding sense of humor. 

James, known as “Jim” by most, was born on February 4, 1937, to Michael and Ethel Stradling Wallace. He grew up in Morrisville, Pennsylvania and Hamilton, New Jersey alongside his three brothers: Charles Donald “Don”, Michael, and John. Jim graduated from Trenton Catholic Boys’ High School in 1955, marking the beginning of a life filled with dedication to family, education, and service. 

Following high school, Jim served in the Marine Corps for 6 years, during which he joined the drill team, a role he held with great pride and many fond memories. His time on the drill team afforded him the opportunity to perform in NYC and throughout Europe – he even performed for Winston Churchill. After completing his service, Jim attended Upsala College in East Orange where he received his B.A. in History. He then attended Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey) where he earned his teaching certificate. Jim dedicated 26 years teaching in Trenton Public Schools from 1968-1994. He primarily worked with elementary school students, instructing them in subjects ranging from basic computer skills, to arithmetic, science, and English. Recognized for his exceptional artistic talent, Jim was often recruited by the faculty to create hand-drawn materials for the school, including bulletin boards, newsletters, and more. He continued to nurture his artistic abilities throughout his life, drawing portraits, still lifes, watercolors, and acrylic paintings. 

Jim was also well-known for his talent on the bagpipes, an interest that became a defining part of his life around age 50. As a dedicated member of the MacGregor Pipe Band of Bucks County, PA for many years, Jim performed in countless parades across Greater Philadelphia and New Jersey. A highlight of his piping-career was playing in the U.S. Military Tattoo at West Point, NY. His kilt and bagpipe always brought a smile to anyone who had the pleasure of watching him play. 

In 1962, Jim met Betty Louise Forrester at a bar in Chambersburg, Trenton. The two were married on May 22, 1964, and moved to their beloved home on Spruce Street in Ewing, in 1968, where they have lived together ever since. When asked what made her fall in love with Jim, Betty says, “He was always nice, considerate, kind, and pleasant to be around. He was always just ‘Jim’.” Over the years, Jim and Betty opened their home to countless family members, friends, and animals in need of a place to stay. They hosted regular weekend dinners and sleepovers for their great nieces, nephews, and extended family, and were known for their spirited Christmas parties that filled the house with music and joy. This spring, Jim and Betty celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, a testament to their enduring love and partnership. 

Jim is predeceased by his parents, Michael and Ethel Wallace, and his brother John Wallace. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Betty Wallace; his dearest friend, Joann Tieri; his two brothers, Don and his wife, Wilda, and Michael Wallace; and his extended family, Robin Wilson, Emily Wilson, and Kayla Downing, whom he loved as if they were his own children. Jim’s loyal pets, Joey the dog and Jax the cat, will also deeply miss his companionship. 

The family will hold an intimate Celebration of Life to honor Jim on Sunday, September 29. While the service will be private, those who wish to attend are welcome and encouraged to reach out to Emily Wilson for further details (609-954-3371). Your thoughts, prayers, and presence, whether in person or in spirit, are greatly appreciated during this time. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Meals on Wheels of Mercer County (www.mealsonwheelsmercer.org or 609 695-3483) or EASEL Animal Rescue League of Mercer County (www.easelnj.org or 609-883-0540).