James “Jim” D. Wallace Sr.

SOUTH PORTLAND – James “Jim” D. Wallace Sr., 88, passed away on Oct. 30, 2022, at his home with loving family by his side, after a period of declining health.

Jim was born in Portland on May 22, 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 Sept. 14, 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, Fla., 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 12 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 Nov. 6 from 2 to 5 p.m. Prayers will be offered at the funeral home Monday Nov. 7 at 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 124 Cottage Rd., South Portland on Monday Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

To view Jim’s memorial page or share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to:

South Portland Food Cupboard

130 Thadeus St.

South Portland, ME 04106, or

Hospice of Southern Maine

390 Route One

Scarborough, ME 04074