This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Wallis Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4239/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Las Cruces Sun News 19 April 2010 James S. Wallis Sr., 82, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, April 14, at Good Samaritan Village. He was born in Valley Springs, Arkansas on November 16, 1927 to Omer and Ruby Wallis. James is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jerry; three sons: James Wallis Jr. and wife Sue, Scott Wallis and wife Cherri, and Dave Wallis and wife Cheryl; five grandchildren: Shannon Edwards, Jeremy Wallis, Jared Wallis, Taylor Wallis and Austin Wallis; and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Omer and Ruby Wallis and two sisters, Juanita Smith and Doris Jackson. James graduated from Harrison High School in 1945. Later that year he joined the Navy at the age of 17. He served in WWII and participated in the testing of the Atomic Bomb in Project Crossroads at Bikini Atoll. During his years of service, he was exposed to radiation, and was one of the last surviving atomic veterans. After his time in the Navy, James attended Paris Junior College and Watchmaking School in Paris, Texas. He met his wife Jerry there and they were married in 1950. James was a watchmaker and jeweler for 50 years and owned a jewerly store in Van Horn, Texas for 25 years, he was also a county commisioner and Chairman of the Methodist Church. He and Jerry moved to Las Cruces in 1987 and owned a jewerly store for 2 years. They then purchased Medical Center Pharmacy and later retired in 1997. James was a sweet man, soft spoken and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His smile and laughter were contagious. He was dearly loved and will be dearly missed. Visitation will be Sunday evening from 6:00-7:00pm at La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home 555 W. Amador Avenue, where the funeral service will follow on Monday morning at 11:00am also at the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Jared Wallis, Eddie Mitchell, Frank Simpson, Ken Greaves, Mike Larson, Jaime Lucero, and honorary pallbearers Lou Martinez, Gene Dow, Harold Coulter, and Darrell Smith. To send condolences go to www.lapaz-grahams.com Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.