James E. Wallace of rural Sorento, Illinois, passed away on October 31, 2025, at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. James was born in Greeley County Kansas on a farm. He graduated high school in 1960 and served his country in the U. S. Army 185th Engineers and was honorably discharged. After his service, James married Geraldine Meyers in July of 1965. After the armed services, James worked at Dow Chemical making Aluminum and Magnesium Alloys. He continued working in the aluminum industry for 42 years until his retirement in 2008 from Magnesium Elektron, MEL, in Madison, Illinois as a Casting Superintendent. After retirement, James enjoyed living on his farm in Bond County, Illinois.

James was preceded in death by his parents: Leonard and Marie Wallace of Kansas, two brothers: Lawrence Wallace of Hugoton, Kansas and Jerry Wallace of Garden City, Kansas; three sisters: Eva Montgomery and Lois Whaler of Garden City, Kansas and Laura Owens of Texas. James is survived by his wife, Geraldine Wallace and son, Michael Wallace of rural Sorento, Illinois; and daughter, Christina Wallace and granddaughter, Michelle Fresen of Highland, Illinois; and a sister, Iris Harnagel of Casper, Wyoming. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions made to the charities of the donor’s choice.

A Private Service will be held at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Illinois.