James "Jim" Walls

April 17, 1941 - May 13, 2021

James "Jim" Walls of St. James, Missouri passed away peacefully at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at the age of 80. Jim was born in St. James on April 17, 1941 to Edward and Elsie (Wisdom) Walls. Mr. James Walls was united in marriage to the love of his life, Miss Carol "Janet" Brewer on November 6, 1960, this union was blessed with two children. After they were married Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force. He did his training in Amarillo, Texas, and then shipped off to Germany, after almost four years he and Janet came home to St. James. He went to work for the telephone company where he would spend the next 35 years. A lineman, an installer, a trouble shooter, it didn't matter, he did whatever was needed to be done. He enjoyed hunting, especially rabbit and turkey. He loved family vacations and they would try to get away at least once a year, traveling to Branson, Missouri to get in a couple of shows, or not, he loved being with his family. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of St. James, and attended regularly until his health no longer permitted. Jim leaves a legacy of love and integrity with his family and those who knew him. He has left behind wonderful memories of a loving husband, grandfather, and father. We are grateful for each and every day we got to see his glowing smile, and for the lessons learned and all the jokes we shared. More importantly, Jim has been a devoted, patient and loving husband, father, and grandfather, his families biggest cheerleader, a tireless chauffeur driver of kids, a steadfast fan of father- daughter dances, school plays, season pass holder of a bleacher seat to all sporting events his children and grandchildren played, and eventually a very proud great- grandfather as well. He set an exemplary example as a husband, father and grandfather. He was spiritually strong and compassionate, and had a clever sense of humor. Above all, he loved and cherished his family and friends, and will forever be remembered and loved by all that knew and loved him. Jim is survived by his children, James Walls, of St. James, MO, and Robin Collier and husband Ron, of Rolla, MO; sisters, Dorothy Mounce, of St. James, MO, and Wanda Sieber and husband Larry, of St. James, MO; grandchildren, Williams Fisher and Christine Francis, Calista Hixenbaugh and husband Matthew; and Madison Collier; great-grandchildren, Cloey and Luna Hixenbaugh, and Deegan and Declan Walls; special niece, Michelle Woodruff, of Springfield, MO; very special friends, Gene and Wanda Casarotto; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend of 59 years, Carol "Janet" Walls in 2018; brothers, John and Bob Walls; nephew, John "Buddy" Walls. Funeral services for Jim Walls will be held at 2:00PM on Sunday, May 16, 2021 at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Pastor Stephen Brubaker officiating. Interment will be at the Adams Cemetery with Scott Gahr, Chris Mueller, Mike Conaway, Ed Walls, Gene Branson, and Phil Stambaugh serving as pallbearers, and Gene Casarotto serving as an honorary pallbearer. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the Chapel on Saturday, May 15, 2021 from 3-5PM. Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church in St. James, cards are available at all James & Gahr locations. Masks are not required, however the family respectfully requests social distancing be observed.