James Dennis Wallace
May 22, 1934 ~ October 30, 2022
Resided in:
South Portland, Maine
SOUTH PORTLAND – James “Jim” D. Wallace Sr., 88, passed away on October 30th, 2022, at his home with loving family by his side, after a period of declining health.
Jim was born in Portland, Maine on May 22nd, 1934, the son of the late Patrick and Evelyn (Dailliere) Wallace. He attended Cheverus High School and served in the Army, stationed in Hawaii during the Korean War. Upon return, Jim worked as a cab driver in greater Portland before a 45-year career at New England Telephone. Jim married the love of his life, Madelyn Curran, on September 14th, 1957, at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception – they moved to South Portland where they raised their four children.
He was a longtime member of the Seagull Men’s Golf League, and a staple at South Portland Municipal Golf Course’s Sunday scramble. An avid Boston Celtics fan, Jim faithfully supported and watched every game, never counting the C’s out until the final whistle. He was also a mainstay at his grandchildren’s sporting events, taking great pride in supporting them from youth through college.
A snowbird in retirement, Jim and Madelyn spent winters at Skye Loch Villas in Dunedin, Florida, where he could be found on the shuffleboard courts, calling out Bingo numbers, or hosting daily happy hours on their patio. Jim was well-traveled, enjoying many trips with Madelyn, family, and friends to Disney, Hawaii, Aruba, England, Ireland, and Italy.
Above all else, family was the heart and soul of Jim’s life. From holiday gatherings and preparing his ‘famous Spaghetti’ for the masses, to countless summers on Ashton Street at Higgins Beach, Jim was happiest surrounded by his loved ones. He was the epitome of a patriarch, who welcomed and loved all.
A longtime communicant of St. John the Evangelist and Holy Cross parishes, Jim had an uncanny ability to see the best in every person he interacted with – his kindness, compassion, patience, and optimism were unmatched.
Jim was predeceased by siblings John Wallace Sr., Dorothy Loring, William Wallace, and Kathleen Meehan; a son, James D. Wallace Jr.; and daughter-in-law Debra Wallace.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Madelyn (Curran) Wallace; three children, Deborah Welch and husband Dennis of South Portland; Martin Wallace of Annapolis, MD; Melissa Martin and husband Eric of South Portland; sister-in-law Maureen Conroy of South Portland; and brother-in-law Phillip Curran and wife Patricia of Portland. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the staff at Hospice of Southern Maine for their incredible support and care during Jim’s final weeks.
Visiting hours will be at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland on Sunday November 6 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland on Monday November 7, 2022 at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the South Portland Food Cupboard or Hospice of Southern Maine:
South Portland Food Cupboard
130 Thadeus Street
South Portland, ME 04106
Hospice of Southern Maine
390 Route One
Scarborough, ME 04074
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Marty and I were friends all through school until we went our separate ways when we supposedly grew up.
Sorry to hear that your father/ husband has passed away. I hadn’t seen him much but before my parents had to move form their condo right beside them at the Hedge’s I had spoken with him a few times and he always was very nice and pleasant.
We are so very sorry for the loss of your husband , Dad, grandfather and uncle .We send all our love and deepest condolences to you all.God bless.Katie and George Earley
To James, I had a friend Marla and My grandparents work for the telephone company. My uncle was realated to Maureen Wallace Sr Maureen Wallace. Kristen Tully
To James family, I was so sorry to hear of James on his passing take care.
We were so sad to hear of your Dad’s, husband’s and grandfather’s passing. Ashton street has always been the better for the Wallace family’s arrival in the summer. We always look to see how many of the clan can fit on the beach at any one time, ( you always outnumber us!),it has always been a joy to witness the fun and love in your family! I’m sure you are sharing many wonderful memories of him today, and he will always be in our fond memories of Higgins Beach. Nancy and all the Callahan family
To uncle Jimmy’s family I’m so sorry for your loss. He was one of the best. Always willing to help anyone and a kind and gentle soul. I’m sure my Dad was happy to greet him in heaven. He will be missed by everyone ❤️
James Wallace was Uncle Jimmy to me. That’s how I came to know him when his niece Vicki Loring, my childhood friend introduced us. My memories hold his smile, his beautiful eyes that always had a twinkle for us kids, his interest in us as if we were the only ones in the world and his kindness.
I was fortunate enough to talk and enjoy him at Vicki‘a party in July.
My condolences to all who hold him dear.
Jimmy Wallace was a cherished member of my aunt’s cousin’s family by marriage, so probably he is not technically a family member, but I will always remember that he celebrated our son Timothy’s return to us after the Persian Gulf War. He showed such an interest in Tim’s time in Iraq, it was a help to know him. We saw him at many family gatherings. A very nice person. I am glad to have known this man and his wife.
To the family of Jim, I send my sincere condolences to each of you, he truly was one of a kind. I am going miss him terribly. RIP my dear friend.
Richie
My Golfing friend and Partner.
I worked as temp for a few months at the Telephone Co. in 1974 . I remember Jim from there, such a nice man.
I also frequently saw him at Holy Cross Church.
Vicki Sullivan