Obituaries

James Andrew Wallace

Photo of James Andrew Wallace
James Andrew (Jug) Wallace, a former mayor of Newport and long-time resident and insurance executive of Little Rock, died February 14, 2014 following a brief illness. "Jug," as he was universally known, was born in Newport May 30, 1927. He graduated from Newport High School in 1945 and immediately joined the Coast Guard. He was scheduled to be among the first deployed had an invasion of the Japanese mainland been necessary. Jug would often laugh, cock his head and with a gleam in his eye, say he "dodged a bullet." Then he would grow quiet as he contemplated the fate of friends wounded and lost in battle. The experience helped mold his personality; he believed in duty, honor, family, friends and tradition. After the war, Jug attended Hendrix College at Conway for one year. While there, he began playing trumpet for big band dances, a hobby he continued the rest of his life. He graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a bachelor's degree in geology. While at the University, he joined Sigma Chi Fraternity and ROTC. He was later commissioned a second lieutenant. After college, Jug worked for the State Geological Survey until 1954. That year he married the love of his life, Jeanne Tims of Tuckerman. They had two children, James Andrew Wallace and Phillip Jeffery Wallace. From 1954 until 1962 Jug worked for Proctor and Gamble, traveling the state. He began work in the insurance industry in 1962, a career path he would follow for the next 51 years, the last 23 with the Roy Borden Agency of Little Rock. Jug was a lifelong Rotarian in both Newport and Little Rock. He was a faithful member of the Central Arkansas Sigma Chi Association. He was a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church in Newport and a faithful supporter of the First United Methodist Church in Little Rock. Jug was involved in community service throughout his life, having served on the Newport City Board for many years including terms as vice mayor and mayor. He also served a term as chairman of the Newport Civil Service Commission. Until recently, he had continued to enjoy playing trumpet with his band, the "Townsmen." For those Jug left behind, the world is little less bright, dimmed by the loss of a man of luminous spirit. For those who preceded him on his journey, including his parents, Eugene Gregory and Cora Wallace, a brother, Eugene Wallace and two sisters, Gloria "Tissie" Bowen and Shirley Wallace, he will be a welcome and beloved friend. Survivors are his wife of 59 years, Jeanne; two sons, James Andrew Wallace Jr., Phillip Wallace and his wife, Shellie, and four beautiful grandchildren, Grayce, William, Caroline and John Wallace, and their mother Kimberly Wallace, all of Little Rock. Jug loved to play and have adventures with his children, many of which started with the words "Don't tell your mother." He genuinely loved people and there are few places where his nickname wouldn't elicit a smile from those knew him. A memorial service at First United Methodist Church at West Eighth and Center Streets will be held Monday, February 18, 2013 at 11 a.m. A reception in the fellowship hall will follow the memorial service. An interment will be held at the Walnut Grove Cemetery in Newport at 3:30 p.m. with a reception immediately following at the First United Methodist Church of Newport. Arrangements by Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home & Crematory (501) 982-2136.

Published February 16, 2013

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