09/25/2026
🕊️In Loving Memory of Deacon Colonel James Wallace🕊️
It is with heavy hearts, yet with gratitude to God for a life so faithfully lived, that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Deacon, Colonel James Wallace, earlier today.
Bro. Wallace was a cherished member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church family. His connection to Ebenezer began as a child and continued throughout his life after returning home from his distinguished service in the United States Army. Even after his retirement, he remained committed to serving God, his church, and his community in countless ways.
Colonel Wallace was born and raised in Leon County, Texas. He attended Prairie View A&M University and graduated in 1955 with a degree in Industrial Education. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry. He later earned an MBA from Michigan State University in 1961, specializing in management.
During his distinguished 30-year military career, Col. Wallace served around the world, including two tours in Germany, two tours in Vietnam, one tour in Korea, and numerous assignments throughout the United States. He retired in 1985 as a full colonel. His outstanding service was recognized with numerous military decorations, including two Bronze Stars and the Legion of Merit.
But while his military accomplishments were extraordinary, those who knew him will remember him for so much more.
They will remember his love of God, his beloved wife Mary, his children, and his Ebenezer church family. They will remember his wisdom, humility, kindness, and willingness to serve. If there was something Bro. Wallace didn't know, he was always willing to learn—and if he knew it, he was willing to teach it. For many years, he faithfully taught Bible study and Sunday school, sharing his knowledge and love of Scripture with generations of church members.
His commitment to his hometown was also evident in his leadership in establishing the very first telehealth pilot site in Leon County, Texas. Col. Wallace rallied his community around the effort and provided both strategic guidance and hands-on leadership to help make expanded access to health care possible.
True to his humble nature, he never sought personal recognition for this accomplishment. Reflecting on his leadership, he said:
"If you have good people and you give them support, you will bring out the best in them. The people I had working with and under me were able to help get this done."
And perhaps most fittingly, he also said:
"A leader brings out the best in people."
In 2023, at the age of 91, Bro. Wallace moved to Fort Worth to be closer to his daughter. Though he was no longer physically near his beloved Ebenezer family, the love and legacy he built over a lifetime remained firmly rooted in our hearts.
Today, we give thanks for a life of faith, family, military service, community leadership, humility, and love.
We mourn his earthly departure, but we celebrate the legacy he leaves behind and trust in the promise of our Lord and Savior.
Rest well, Deacon Colonel James Wallace. Your race has been run, your work has been faithful, and your legacy will continue through all those whose lives you touched.
Please keep his children, family, friends, and the entire Ebenezer Baptist Church family in your prayers during this time of bereavement.
Funeral arrangements will be announced forthcoming.
🕊️ Well done, good and faithful servant.❤️
