James Wallis

James Robert Wallis Sr., age 96, passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2019 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was born November 14, 1922 in Loveland, Oklahoma to Houston and Lela Childers Wallis. He was preceded in death by his wife Libby; his two brothers, Lowell and Houston Wallis and a beloved son-in-law Jack Pruniski. After graduating from Shawnee High School in 1943, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Hodges on June 10, 1944 in Washington, D.C. He and Libby were happily married for 70 years. After high school graduation, Jim enlisted in the U. S. Army Air Corps and attended flight school at Texas A&M. His World War II service was a source of pride for the rest of his life. He was stationed in the U.S., the Philippines and occupied Japan, working in aviation and as a radar mechanic instructor. Later he worked as a district sales representative for Conoco and then as a salesman and sales manager in the heavy machinery business for over 30 years in both Oklahoma and Arkansas. He was an election poll worker volunteer for many years in Little Rock and Bella Vista and a volunteer tax counselor for the elderly for 16 years. Jim grew up as a Baptist and later joined the Methodist Church, where he was active for many years. He is survived by his son, Jim Jr. and wife Cathy of Olympia, Washington; daughters, Mary Jane Pruniski of Little Rock and Luann Horn and husband Mike of Fayetteville, Arkansas; grandchildren, Brian Pruniski and wife Julie, Carrie Taylor and husband Jeff, Elizabeth Barlow, Jeff Pruniski, Tom Wallis, Heath Horn, and Tanner Horn and wife Abby; great-grandchildren, Noah and Reid Pruniski, Ellie and Juliet Taylor, Kaleigh Barlow and numerous other cousins, nieces and nephews. Jim had a strong faith, loved his family and adored his many friends at Grand Village and Arkanshire retirement communities. He courageously fought cancer for nearly seven years and continued to lead an active life. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Moore's Chapel in Fayetteville, with Bill Seeger and Dr. Jack Wilson officiating. Arrangements are by Moore's Chapel with interment at the Fayetteville National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. To sign the online guest book, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.