James "Jim" Franklin Wallace

Mr. James “Jim” Franklin Wallace, 62, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2026, at home. He was born June 19, 1964, in Newport News, VA., the son of James and Loretta Freeman Wallace. He went to First Congregational Christian Church, Newport News, VA. as a small child and based his faith around what he learned in that church. He also was a retired engineer in the nuclear field.

He was a gifted teacher, but he did not just teach with words—he taught by example. He showed us what it meant to work hard, to solve problems, to stay curious, and to never stop learning. He had an engineer's mind and a craftsman's hands. Whether he was working on an engine, restoring a car, or figuring out how something worked, Jim found joy in creating, fixing, and improving the world around him.

Outside the garage or workshop, he found freedom on a bicycle. He loved mountain biking and cycling, embracing every challenge with the same determination and enthusiasm that he brought to every part of his life.

But what made Jim truly extraordinary wasn't just what he could build, it was the people he built up.

If you needed help, Jim was there. If you needed guidance, he gave it freely. He had a generous spirit and a servant's heart, always willing to share his knowledge, his time, and his encouragement. He never made you feel small for not knowing something. Instead, he made you feel capable of learning it.

Jim was also a devoted son, a loving brother to his sisters, and a man who dedicated himself to his career with integrity and pride. Wherever he went, he earned respect—not by demanding it, but by living a life of honesty, humility, and excellence.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Numa Franklin Freeman, Velma Lamonds Freeman and Addie Laws Wallace; his father and several aunts and uncles. Survivors include his mother, Loretta Wallace; his sisters, Darlene Tuttle (Wayne) of Winston-Salem and Rainy Browning (Dan) of Montana; four grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and many friends.

A funeral service will be held at 10 am Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel with Pastor Jason Murray officiating. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory in Walkertown. The family will receive friends from 9:00 to 10:00 am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations may be made to Kernersville Mountain Bike Park/ Kernersville Cycling Club in memory of Wally “Ironman” Wallace or to the National Kidney Association.