James Alvester Wallace

James’s Life Story To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose. Ecclesiastes 3:1 James Alvester Wallace, known more affectionately as “Ducktop” and “The General”, went home to be with the Lord on August 7, 2025, surrounded by love from his family and friends. Today we gather to acknowledge and celebrate the new life into which he has entered, an eternal life in the presence of his God, his creator. To A Time Be Born – Ecclesiastes 3:2 James Alvester Wallace was born on July 19, 1930, in Williamsburg, Virginia. He was the son of the late Mason and Mattie Wallace. James was the second born. He was the caring and loving brother of his four brothers, Wilbert, Horace (both who preceded him in death), Lloyd, and Webster Wallace and one loving sister, Alice Wallace Hayes. (who preceded him in death). A Time To Be Trained – Proverbs 22:6 James began his education in Williamsburg, Virginia. He graduated from Bruton Heights High School and the Cortez Peters Business School and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Coppin State College. He pursued additional graduate studies at Coppin State College. A Time To Be Saved – John 30:3 He was nurtured in a Christian home. At a very early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia. He later joined Douglas Memorial Community Church in 1948, and then a faithful member of the Open Church under the leadership of Dr. Rev. Brad Braxton whom he loved, where he remained until his death. A Time To Love – Ecclesiastes 3:9 June 19, 1959, marked the day when James and Beulah Dale entered holy matrimony. God allowed them to spend 68 years of wedded bliss. Out of the union, they were blessed with three children Dale Michael, Jeffrey Alvester and Jo Anne Elizabeth. He was not only a devoted husband to Beulah and father to Dale, Jeffrey and JoAnne, but also a loving grandfather to his “Pudding Pie” Justin, Tara, and Cameron, and the best and loving “Pop-Pop” to his great-granddaughter Saige Nicole Wallace; friend and confidante to many. A Time To Labor – Genesis 3:19 and Matthew 20:25:28 James served two years in the Special Services of the United States Marine Corps with an honorable discharge in 1954. Bendix Radio and Engineering Corporation and General Electric employed him for more than twenty years. He began his teaching career in Special Education at Mordecai Gist Elementary School. He later joined the faculty of Patterson High School and remained there until his retirement in 1996. James loved his church and was an active member of the Trustee, Steward, and Usher Boards. He was well known for his jokes and stories on demand. He was a waiter and bar tender par excellence and enjoyed preparing delights for his family and friends. A Time To Be With The Lord – Numbers 23:10 James will be solely missed by all those who knew and loved him. His easy laughter, hugs and kisses will no longer be part of our day-to-day reality. However, the legacy of love and happy memories that he created will linger in our hearts forever. We thank God for his blessings and the opportunity that we had to love and cherish him in our lives. James, the beloved family man and friend, leaves to mourn son, Dale and the “Twins” Jeffrey and Jo Anne “Babycakes”, three grandchildren Justin Wallace, Tara Smith-Wallace, and Cameron Pennix. One great-granddaughter Saige Nicole Wallace; brothers Lloyd Wallace (Shirley) of Williamsburg, VA; Webster Wallace (LaMarian) of Atlanta, GA, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and dear friends. His special caretaker and adopted son Malcolm Grimes.

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James Alvester Wallace

July 19, 1930 - August 7, 2025